PETALING JAYA: Marriage rates in Malaysia are dropping, but young Malaysians are not giving up on tying the knot despite the new challenges posed by dating apps.
While many attribute the decline in marriages to these apps turning relationships into a “swipe right” culture, others view this change as a reflection of shifting social pressures and priorities.
Lahiba Ju, 21, is excited about the idea of getting married in the future but is concerned about getting there.
“The dating scene is going backwards,” said the science student at Taylor’s University.
She believes that people her age are no longer looking for long-term relationships and are primarily interested in casual dating.
Nadhrah Redzuan, 22, a psychology student at UCSI, shares a similar perspective, attributing her generation’s hesitancy toward commitment to the proliferation of dating apps.
She believes these apps, initially designed to foster connection, are instead creating a culture of disposability.
“People are no longer willing to put effort into long-term relationships. Dating apps have created the impression that there are endless options and that you can always find better.”
Despite her frustrations about marriage seemingly losing its meaning among her peers, she remains hopeful.
“Marriage is a big deal for me,” Nadhrah added.
For Husna Ariffen, 21, the issue is not dating apps – it is finding a partner who actually meets her standards.
She sees the decline in marriage rates as the product of changing social norms, with young people valuing personal freedom and prioritising self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, Norshamimi Shamsuddin, 23, has been in a relationship for two years but is in no rush to get married, emphasising the importance of building a strong foundation first.
“My partner and I want to prioritise our studies and become financially stable before making any big plans,” she said.
According to a report by the Statistics Department, marriage rates plunged by 12.5% from 215,022 in 2022 to 188,100 in 2023.
Despite the overall decrease, the 25-29 age group recorded the highest number of marriages.
This statistic surprised Sofia Irfan, 27, who echoed concerns about the prevailing culture of disposability.
“We live in a world of instant gratification, and in that world, long-term partnerships don’t seem gratifying enough,” she said.
In a statement, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin reported that Muslim marriages accounted for 74.5% of all marriages in 2023 but saw a 16.8% drop compared to the prior year.
Conversely, the number of non-Muslim marriages grew by 2.9%, increasing from 46,555 in 2022 to 47,924 in 2023.
Among the states, Selangor saw the most significant decrease in Muslim marriages between 2022 and 2023 (5,674: 17.4%), followed by Kelantan (3,595: 17.7%), and Johor (3,249: 15.8%).
Declining rates of marriage are being observed worldwide but one thing is clear: Malaysian Gen Z is not saying no to marriage.
Whether for personal, financial or social reasons, the younger generations are taking a more intentional approach to marriage, waiting to find the right partner and prioritising stability before moving forward with the decision to wed.
