Leong Mun Wai on supporting Singaporeans in starting and raising families

Singapore’s low total fertility rate is a result of the socio-economic circumstances created by the Government and society, said NCMP Leong Mun Wai. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 5), he urged the Government to “reset and reimagine” policies to create the conditions for Singaporeans to raise families. He proposed six ways to do so - ensure better job security and financial stability, slow down the increase in the cost of living, further defray the cost of prenatal gynaecological visits, childbirth and postpartum medical checks, strengthen workplace support for caregiving of children, recognise the contributions of homemakers and reduce the education pressure. Mr Leong stressed the need to urgently develop a national action plan and sought to amend the motion.