Marriage is a significant institution in any society, serving as the foundation for families and communities. However, recent data from the Department of Statistics (DoSM) has revealed a concerning trend of declining marriages within the Chinese community in Malaysia. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin highlighted this issue, pointing out the stark contrast between the Bumiputera community, which has seen a significant increase in marriages, and the Chinese community, which has experienced a decline.
According to the DoSM’s annual Social Statistics bulletin report on marriages and divorce, the Chinese community recorded a 33% decline in marriages from 2016 to 2022. In 2016, there were 9.8 marriages per 1,000 individuals, which dropped to 6.3 marriages in 2020 before slightly increasing to 6.6 marriages in 2022. This trend is concerning and raises questions about the factors contributing to the decline in marriages within the Chinese community.
On the other hand, the Bumiputera community saw a 47% jump in marriages from 2016 to 2022, with 16.0 marriages per 1,000 individuals in 2022 compared to 10.9 marriages in 2016. The Indian community also experienced a decline in marriages, with 12.2 marriages per 1,000 individuals in 2016 decreasing to 11.1 marriages in 2022.
The government has conducted a study to understand the reasons behind the decline in marriages among Malaysian men and women aged 25 to 49 years old. The 2014 Study of Population and Families in Malaysia revealed that financial difficulties were a significant factor for both men and women, with 56.0% of men and 26% of women listing it as a reason for not getting married. Additionally, 18.4% of men and 35.7% of women cited not finding the right partner as a barrier to marriage, while 9.4% of men and 18.1% of women prioritized their career development over marriage.
In response to these findings, the Women, Family and Community Development ministry (KPWKM) has collaborated with the Population Board and the National Family Development Board (LPPKN) to implement initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about marriage. Various marriage and family-related programs have been introduced to address the challenges faced by individuals in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
It is essential for the government and relevant stakeholders to continue monitoring and addressing the factors contributing to the decline in marriages within the Chinese community and other ethnic groups. By understanding the underlying reasons and implementing targeted interventions, it is possible to reverse this trend and promote healthy and sustainable marriages in Malaysia.