Financial pressures cause many Malaysians to postpone marriage and first child
A recent RinggitPlus survey shows that about one in four Malaysians aged 25 to 44 have delayed marriage or having their first child because of money worries.
According to the 2026 RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey, roughly one quarter of Malaysians between 25 and 44 have postponed or abandoned plans for marriage or a first child due to financial concerns. The tendency is strongest among the 25-34 age bracket, where nearly 29% reported such delays, compared with about 19% of those aged 35-44. Income level influences the decision: around 26% of earners making RM2,000-RM4,999 a month cited money worries, while similar shares were seen among higher and lower earners.
The survey also highlighted that 63% of respondents regularly give money to their parents or parents-in-law, with over half of those earning below RM2,000 doing so. RinggitPlus CEO Yuen Tuck Siew emphasized the link between financial well-being, family obligations and future planning, calling for more practical financial education.
Why it matters
The findings reveal how economic strain is reshaping family formation and support patterns in Malaysia.
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