Couples Drowning In Debt As Wedding Costs Surge A Growing Cause For Divorce

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Nearly half of Malaysian couples planning to marry are taking out bank loans to fund their weddings, a new study has found, leaving many trapped in long-term debt that strains their finances even before married life begins. — FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half of Malaysian couples planning to marry are taking out bank loans to fund their weddings, a new study has found, leaving many trapped in long-term debt that strains their finances even before married life begins.
The growing financial burden has also been linked to rising marital breakdowns, with officials citing money troubles and poor communication as key causes of divorce in Selangor.
Many young couples, meanwhile, are already struggling to repay their wedding loans, with more than a quarter falling behind on payments.
A proof-of-concept (POC) study by Future Studies Berhad (THE FUTURE) found that 45.8 per cent of respondents admitted borrowing money for wedding expenses, mostly between RM20,001 and RM40,000.
THE FUTURE's chief economist, Dr Mohd Yusof Saari, said personal loans were the main source of financing, chosen by 58.8 per cent of respondents, followed by credit cards and "buy now, pay later" schemes at 16.6 per cent each.
"More than half — 54.5 per cent — of borrowers face repayment periods exceeding five years, reflecting the long-term financial pressure linked to wedding-related debts," he told BH.
He said more than half of respondents allocate 10 to 20 per cent of their monthly income to repay wedding loans, showing significant financial strain among young couples.
While 72.7 per cent are managing repayments on time, 27.3 per cent have fallen behind.
"This indicates the financial pressure beginning to be felt among borrowers," he said.
Most couples estimated their total wedding costs at RM20,001 to RM40,000 (63.6 per cent), with 27.3 per cent spending between RM40,001 and RM60,000, and 9.1 per cent spending below RM20,000.
He added that 54.5 per cent borrowed RM10,001 to RM20,000, while 36.4 per cent borrowed RM20,001 to RM50,000, and 9.1 per cent less than RM10,000.
"About 63.6 per cent pay monthly instalments between RM501 and RM1,000, showing they must allocate a large portion of their income each month for that purpose. Meanwhile, 36.4 per cent pay below RM500," he said.
Earlier reports showed 10,815 Muslim divorce cases recorded in Selangor between January and September, with financial issues and communication problems identified as the main causes.
Selangor is Malaysia's most developed and industrialised state, home to a diverse economy driven by manufacturing, services, and technology.
Economist Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan said inflation, rising costs of venues and catering, and social expectations had driven up Malaysian wedding expenses to among the highest in Asean, averaging RM50,000 to RM200,000, compared with about RM71,000 in Cambodia and RM22,800 in the Philippines.
Mohd Yusof urged authorities to review premarital courses to include financial literacy, debt management, and responsible borrowing guidance for soon-to-wed couples. - NST

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