INTERACTIVE: In a greying Malaysia, youths opt to remain single

What youths want: Respondents of the survey believe singlehood gives them more freedom in life and marriage increases one’s financial commitment.

PETALING JAYA: Youths are shunning marriage and big families amid a decline in the country's birthrate that's projected to turn Malaysia into an ageing nation by 2030.

A nationwide survey published by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) on July 1 revealed that less than half (41.8%) of youths aged between 18 and 35 plan on getting married and most would rather have smaller families.