KUCHING, Sept 7 2026 — The cost of living is among the factors influencing young people’s decisions to marry and have children, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said today.
Nancy said young people are now more cautious and weigh their financial capacity before getting married and starting a family.
“Some choose not to have children because they are not financially ready. They cannot be blamed for not being ready,” she told reporters after officiating the 2026 World Population Day celebration here.
Through the SmartStart programme, she said, the government provides prospective couples with comprehensive preparation, including economic and financial management. Assistance is also available for those facing fertility issues through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments.
Nancy said the government is also promoting marital harmony through various programmes, including a “second honeymoon” initiative for couples within the first five years of marriage.
“The second honeymoon does not mean getting married for a second time. Instead, the programme offers various activities to help couples reconnect and strengthen their relationship,” she said.
On efforts to reach those in need, she said the government remains committed to going directly to communities to introduce welfare services offered by the ministry through programmes such as Kembara Kasih.
— LNA MY
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