Malaysian Men Made A Pact To Stay Single Forever Because Of High Cost Of Marriage
About 50 of them formed a group, which they call the "Old Bachelors Association".
By Yap Wan Xiang — 12 Aug 2022, 01:05 PM
A group of Malaysian men have made a pact to never get married because they say the cost of wedding ceremonies and bride dowries are too high
According to Utusan Malaysia, the group consists of about 50 men, all of whom are committed to singlehood.
They formed a pack and called themselves the "Old Bachelors Association".
The oldest member is 79 years old, while the younger members are in their 40s.
They often spend time together at a pier by the Perak River in Teluk Intan, Perak
In conjunction with Independence Day, the group of bachelors brought the Jalur Gemilang to decorate the pier.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, a 63-year-old member, who only wishes to be known as Liong, said that it is not because he does not want to get married, but because he cannot afford the high cost of weddings, which includes bride dowries.
About 10 years ago, Liong said the cost of bride dowries could go up to RM50,000.
"That was sent 10 years ago. Now, if you want to get married and you don't have RM300,000, who would want to (marry you)? I can't save that much money, not to mention, with my normal job," he lamented.
"That's why it's better for me to be celibate until I'm old."
"I can do anything I want. I can get together with friends, chat with them until the morning, and no one will stop me."
Meanwhile, another man, 79-year-old Lee Tiong Lai, admitted that he once planned to get married but had to give it up because the wedding cost was too high
He said he once had a girlfriend but the woman's family asked for RM250,000 worth of wedding gifts.
"I only grow vegetables, how can I earn that much money," he sighed.
Lee related that he sometimes feels empty and disappointed when he sees friends his age who are married and have families.
He said he had to put those feelings behind him, but admitted that he had never regretted not marrying the love of his life.
"Not married, no problem. After all, it's not easy to take care of children if there is no money. Now, if you don't have RM250,000, you can't get married."
"How can I pay for a wedding hall and catering, as well as buy a car and a house for my wife? It's better for me to be single."
