SHAH ALAM, 1 Dec: Other states have been asked to emulate the Selangor Governments approach in encouraging youth to get married in a lively manner at a modest cost.
Hakeemullah Ismail, 23, said that the organising the Premier Youth Wedding Programme by the Selangor Government is an awaited initiative.
He said that this is welcome especially in the current situation where the cost of living is increasingly pressing the youth, especially those who have recently started working, like him.
“After talking with other fellow youth, many are waiting for programmes such as this because this is a chance to build a family in a modest way, but still perfect in terms of Islamic law.
“Good programmes like this can be expanded, not just in Selangor, but also across Malaysia, to promote early marriage for young people,” said Hakeemullah from Meru, Klang.
He was one of the participants who took part in the Permier Wedding Ceremony 2013, organised by the Selangor Government at the Agro Fest Site in the compound of the Shah Alam Stadium today.
He and his partner, Nurul Izzari Anuar, is among the 45 couples from 23 constituencies who were celebrated at the event which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, another participant S.Kanesan, 29, praised the Selangor Government initiative of always thinking about the needs of the people, especially the youth.
“I hope that other states will open their eyes and emulate the kindness organised by the State Government for the interest of the people as a whole,” said Kanesan.
Echoing similar opinions, Raymond Hui, 35, and his partner, Jess Heng, 34, also expressed his delight in participating in the programme which is taking place for the second year.
“In programmes such as this, not only can we get to meet other couples from other races, but we also have the opportunity to enjoy this new experience and this is very exciting,” said Raymond who lives in Petaling Jaya.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also announced that the State Government approved the proposal to increase the wedding incentive from RM200 per person last year to RM250 per year this year.
Newlyweds who wish to apply need to ensure that they are children of Selangor or have settled in Selangor for over ten years, are not over 3 years of age, earn less than RM1,500 per month and will be going through their first marriage.
