In Malaysia, a growing trend among young couples is the postponement of starting a family, primarily due to financial concerns and career aspirations, according to The Star Online. Mohd Ariff Zainuddin and his wife, Sheila Yaakob, both 27 and married for two years, exemplify this shift. They have chosen to delay having children, citing the high costs of raising a child and their goal of purchasing a home as primary reasons.
Similarly, Junaidah Mutalip, a 32-year-old bank clerk, and her husband, businessman Mohd Adam Muhammad Ismail, have been trying to conceive for five years. Despite their desire for children, they recognize the challenges and responsibilities that come with parenthood, including the financial burden.
Noor Hadayah Ahmad, a senior counsellor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of young couples having a clear blueprint for their marriage, including financial planning and timelines for starting a family. She advises against excessive spending on lavish weddings, which can lead to financial strain and delay family planning.
Another couple, Muhammad Shahrizul Muiz and his wife, reflect this cautious approach. Muhammad, a special officer, and his engineer wife are waiting to stabilize their finances after incurring expenses for their wedding, house, and car. They prioritize economic stability and career advancement over immediate parenthood.
Josephine Das and her husband have decided not to have children, choosing to maintain their current lifestyle, which includes regular travel to Italy to visit her husband's family. Das believes that raising a child requires substantial financial commitment and personal sacrifice, which they are not prepared to make.
Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng, executive director of the Penang Institute, points out that the decline in young families is a result of multiple factors, including environmental concerns, economic pressures, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that urban, educated couples are particularly apprehensive about the future opportunities for their children.
Dr Ooi stresses that a comprehensive childcare system and support for feminism are essential to encourage family growth. He acknowledges the lifelong commitment and energy required to raise children and understands why many couples opt to wait or decide against having children altogether.
This trend of delayed or declined parenthood among young couples in Malaysia is a complex issue, influenced by economic challenges, career goals, lifestyle choices, and broader societal pressures. As these couples navigate their personal and professional lives, the traditional path to starting a family is increasingly being reevaluated and redefined.
