KUCHING, Sept 7 — The cost of living is among the primary factors influencing decisions among young people regarding marriage and parenthood, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 World Population Day celebration today, Nancy emphasized that young adults are exercising greater caution and assessing their financial readiness before taking major life steps.
“Some choose not to have children because they are not financially ready. They cannot be blamed for not being ready,” Nancy said.
To assist prospective couples, Nancy highlighted the government’s SmartStart programme, which provides practical guidance on household financial management alongside support for couples navigating fertility challenges through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatments.
She added that the government is also promoting marital harmony through targeted initiatives, including a “second honeymoon” programme designed for couples in their 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 clarified.
Nancy reiterated the ministry’s commitment to direct community outreach through programmes such as Kembara Kasih to ensure essential welfare services reach families in need.
–NMT
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