JOHOR Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail has expressed concern over the trend of child-free marriages among young couples, noting that the trend is unhealthy and can be detrimental to the family institution.
In her speech before officiating at the state level Parents Day celebration held at Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) headquarters on Thursday (July 11), Khairin-Nisa said while there were couples who desperately want a child of their own, there were some quarters who have made “child-free” a popular trend.
“Every married couple longs for the presence of a child to bring joy to their marriage. However, not all couples are lucky as some have to wait for years while there are those who could not get a child due to health factors,” she was quoted as saying by The Star.
“Based on data from the Statistics Department Malaysia, in the first quarter of 2024, there have been 106,386 births compared to 117,413 births on first quarter of last year, which is a 9.4% decrease.”
According to the Serom assemblyperson, being a parent was a full-time duty and a very big responsibility as their love and sacrifice never ends.
“Taking responsibility as a mother and father in this modern era is very challenging and complex because not only is it challenging from the emotional and physical aspect but also have to deal with surrounding pressures,” she remarked.
Citing a survey made by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), she said many reasons were given by couples on challenges in raising a child, among them high cost of living, financial problem, difficulties in finding work-family balance, no rest, the child’s education needs, work pressure and low income.
“Whatever the reasons given for this ‘child free’ culture, it is seen as very unhealthy and can be harmful towards the role of family institutions,” she observed.
“That is why every married couples nowadays, in particular the younger ones, must equip themselves with the knowledge of parenting skills.” – July 11, 2024
Main pic credit: Bernama
