One in four Malaysians put marriage, children on hold over finances

KUALA LUMPUR: One in four Malaysians aged 25 to 44 have postponed or decided against getting married, holding a wedding or having their first child over the past five years due to financial constraints.

The 2026 RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS) found that 24.3 per cent of respondents in this age group had faced such circumstances, with the figure higher among those aged 25 to 34 at 28.9 per cent.

In comparison, 19.1 per cent of respondents aged 35 to 44 reported the same.

The findings highlight how financial pressures are influencing major life decisions, particularly those involving marriage and family planning.

By personal income group, 25.8 per cent of respondents aged 25 to 44 earning between RM2,000 and RM4,999 a month said financial constraints had influenced their decisions.

This was followed by 23.1 per cent of those earning RM5,000 and above, while 22.8 per cent of respondents earning below RM2,000 reported similar circumstances.

Separately, the survey found that 63 per cent of respondents gave money to their parents or parents-in-law, with 32 per cent doing so monthly and 30.9 per cent occasionally.

Among respondents earning less than RM2,000 a month, 51.4 per cent provided financial support to their parents or parents-in-law, including 18.5 per cent who did so monthly.

RinggitPlus chief executive officer Yuen Tuck Siew said this year's findings highlighted the close relationship between financial well-being, family responsibilities and future planning among Malaysians.

He said the widening savings gap between those earning less than RM2,000 a month and other income groups also warranted attention.

"Financial education needs to be practical and accessible so Malaysians can apply their knowledge to everyday decisions and better prepare for the future," he said.

The online survey involved 3,005 Malaysians aged 18 and above and was conducted from Sept 28 to Oct 11.