Kota Kinabalu: Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah proposed that the government provide incentives to first-time newlywed couples through allocations from the Government Trust Fund.
“Most of our young people are unable to marry. I’m not sure why, perhaps because they don’t have a job yet, or perhaps because the berian (bride’s wealth) is too expensive nowadays,” he said when debating the Government Trust Funds (Amendment) Enactment 2023 at the State Legislative Assembly, Wednesday.
“Perhaps the government can show concern for these single youths, those who are newly married for the first time, not the second or third time, by giving them incentives from the Trust Fund,” he suggested.
He said this is a significant concern since there are times when these bachelors want to marry but are unable to do so because they do not even have RM5,000.
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“I bring this up in light of the numerous government schemes for university students launched by our State Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, among others,” he said.
He also proposed that some allocation from the Trust Fund be set aside to help small farmers with road upkeep to their farms, making it easier for them to take their produce to market.
In addition, he suggested that the government recognise local artists for their talents and contributions to the growth of the State through their songs and music.
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