Women’s minister: Money issues, prioritising career, lack of suitable candidates among reasons behind declining marriage rate Posted on 30/11/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 — Career priorities, financial constraints and difficulty finding suitable partners are among the reasons many individuals choose to postpone marriage and remain single. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said findings from the Fifth Malaysian Population and Family Survey revealed that 86.8 per cent of single individuals expressed a desire to marry but were hindered by these factors. She added that according to Marriage and Divorce Statistics released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the number of marriages decreased by 12.5 per cent from 215,022 in 2022 to 188,100 last year. “The declining marriage rates directly affect the country’s fertility rate, which is now at 1.7 children per woman, significantly below the population replacement level of 2.1. “This poses a major challenge that we must address, as it not only impacts families but also the future economic and social aspects of the country,” she said at the Mahligai Cinta Perdana Reception here today. The event celebrated 35 couples who had participated in the SMARTSTART 2.0 pre-marriage course organised by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry through online and physical sessions on Nov 16 and 23. Nancy explained that the SMARTSTART 2.0 programme aims to equip couples with essential skills and knowledge, including effective communication, financial management and conflict resolution, as part of efforts to strengthen the marriage institution. She said the course, introduced in 2006 and enhanced in 2022, is offered by the ministry through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). “I’m confident that the knowledge gained will help couples build stronger relationships and establish harmonious families,” she added. — Bernama News
DPM Fadillah says Malaysia to launch renewable energy auction for Singapore by end 2024 to share excess electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels Posted on 13/11/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia’s cross-border renewable energy auction for Singapore’s energy importer, under Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM), will begin by year-end, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said. He explained that, through efforts to integrate regional power grids, the country aims to strengthen energy security across ASEAN… Read More
Senarai hitam peminjam tak bayar hutang Mara hanya sementara, kata timbalan menteri Posted on 13/11/2024 Timbalan Menteri Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah, Rubiah Wang berkata antara syarat untuk pelajar memasuki MRSM adalah ibu bapa pelajar tidak disenarai hitam oleh Mara. (Gambar Bernama) KUALA LUMPUR: Tindakan menyenarai hitam individu yang tidak membayar pinjaman Mara hingga menyebabkan anak mereka tidak memenuhi syarat kemasukan ke Maktab Rendah Sains MARA… Read More
PM Anwar: Malaysia to deepen ties with China beyond trade, highlighting shared vision, global values Posted on 08/11/2024 BEIJING, Nov 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with China, emphasising both trade and broader global objectives. During his courtesy call on President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People, Anwar expressed his gratitude for China’s continued support and emphasised the… Read More