Marriages Decrease & Divorces Increase In 2019 As M’sian Youths Work Towards Economic Stability

From the year we’ve all had, is it even a surprise that no one wants to get married?

Based on the Marriage and Divorce Statistics, Malaysia, 2020 report, the number of marriages in 2019 decreased by 1.2 per cent to 203,821 as compared to 206,352 in 2018.

The report also revealed that the number of divorces, however, had increased by 12 per cent to 56,975 last year from 50,862 in 2018.

Bernama reported that Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin commenting on the statistics and said that in line with the decrease in the number of marriages, the general marriage rate for grooms declined from 50.7 to 50.1 per thousand population of unmarried males aged 18 years and above.

Similarly, for brides, a decline from 47.0 to 46.2 per thousand population of unmarried females aged 16 years and over was observed.

How has divorce increased?

The general divorce rate for males increased to  7.2 per thousand population from 6.5 of married males aged 18 years and over while in married females aged 16 years and above, the divorce rate increased from 7.0 to 7.7 per thousand population.

While the median age for grooms remained at 28 years, the median age for brides increased from 26 years in 2018 to 27 years in 2019. Malaysians marrying later might have been due to the increase in urbanisation rate in Malaysia from 70.9 per cent in 2010 to 76.2 per cent in 2019.

“The current scenario shows that the tendency for late marriages is among those who are educated and working towards strengthening their individual economic stability especially those living in urban areas.”

Urbanisation refers to the share of urban population in the total population of a country. According to Statista, Malaysia is currently one of the most urbanised countries of East Asia and also one of the most rapidly urbanized regions around the world.

Mohd Uzir added that the oldest groom and bride were recorded at 93 and 86 years old last year. Approximately, 0.3 per cent grooms aged 65 years and over have married younger brides at the age group of 24 years and below while 0.2 per cent brides aged 65 years and above have married younger grooms aged 24 years and below.

What do you think about these marriage statistics? Let us know in the comments section!

Also read: 78yo Man & 17yo Girl In Indonesia Get Divorced After 22 Days of Marriage