PENANG is seeking feedback from the young after a study revealed that only 22.5% of couples surveyed intend to get married, as costs and commitment get in the way of matrimony.
State exco for family affairs Lim Swee Khim issued a statement, saying that the state is supporting a marriage intention forum: Expectations and Realities of Marriage, happening on February 28, 10 am at The Founders Hutton in George Town.
Organised in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia – Area North, and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation, this forum is a safe and open space for unmarried individuals to share their honest views about marriage, she said.
"We must discuss expectations and concerns, hear from the researchers behind the study, and connect with others navigating similar questions."
This engagement will begin as a pilot initiative with the Chinese-speaking community and will be expanded to other communities in Penang to ensure a broader, more inclusive understanding of marriage intentions across different racial and socio-economic groups, noted Lim.
Unmarried individuals aged 18 and above are invited to take part in this meaningful conversation and dialogue.
"Be part of the dialogue. Thinking about marriage? Between career goals, rising housing costs, and changing expectations, marriage today looks very different from before," said Lim.
A recent study involving 400 unmarried Chinese individuals titled “Factors Contributing to Marriage Intentions Among Penang’s Chinese Community and Policy Recommendations” by Dr. Goh Soo Khoon of the Centre of Policy Research, USM, and Dr. Wong Koi Nyen of Sunway Business School, Sunway University, revealed that only 22.5% definitely plan to get married. In contrast, 46% said unsure, and another 31.5% have no intention of doing so.
Financial concerns emerged as a primary barrier, with over 82% prioritising homeownership before marriage, yet 62.25% believe their income is insufficient to afford a house in Penang.
Such concerns have troubled Lim, who is seeking feedback so a comprehensive solution can be offered to help young couples.
She stressed that it is not confined to Chinese, but of all races, as long as they are young and struggling in a global climate of uncertainty amid rising living costs, health challenges and effects from climate change.
Lim wants the youth to be part of the engaging dialogue and subsequently help the authorities to find solutions.- February 15, 2026.
