Man suggests imposing “singles tax” on unmarried & childfree individuals
A man made a Threads post on Saturday (19 Sept) suggesting the Malaysian government introduce a “singles tax” for individuals who want to stay unmarried and child-free.
Many rejected this idea, citing different reasons, including that singles already receive fewer tax exemptions and benefits from the government.
In Malaysia, parents can get tax deductions for each child under the age of 18, whether they are biological or adopted.
Man claims next generation will bear burden
The Original Poster (OP) specified physically healthy individuals who strongly intend not to get married or have children as the people who should be subjected to the “singles tax”.
He said that this demographic enjoys a healthy lifestyle and spends money on travel and visiting cafés.
Source: Suwinai Sukanant’s Images on Canva for illustration purposes only
“But in the end, the ones who have to bear the burden of the country’s future are our children,” he expressed.
The OP claimed that when unmarried and childless people grow old, they will use services from government hospitals and live in nursing homes.
“Who will have to pay taxes to sustain all those facilities if not the generation we gave birth to?” he questioned, adding:
“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy a solo life, but don’t be so selfish that you abdicate your responsibility for the country’s economy.”
Netizens reject “singles tax” suggestion
Many slammed the OP for disrespecting other people’s choices, with some accusing him of being jealous of single people’s lifestyle.
Translation: What a pity.. this must be the poor + jealous type 😌 No one is forcing you to get married.. Just accept your choice
Source: Threads
They rejected his idea, saying singles already get the least tax exemption and barely enjoy government benefits.
Translation: Did you know that single people are the ones who get the least tax exemption? Married taxpayers with children can sometimes claim back thousands when e-filing. In that case, I think single people help the country more than married people
Source: Threads
One netizen also pointed out that there are people who remain single because they have to take care of sick family members or support their siblings’ education.
Translation: He’s just kidding, okay? Or he doesn’t know that there are single people who are not married because they have to take care of sick family members. Single because they want their siblings to continue studying. You know, he’s old. His life is lonely. Suddenly he’s taxed. It’s so sad
Source: Threads
Another Threads user believes that the government should instead incentivise those who want to build a family.
Translation: On the contrary, we should give incentives to people who WANT to have a family, not punish those who don’t. 😅 Only then will there be a higher chance of producing a quality next generation because of willing parents and not because of being forced. Increasing the rate of marriage & children, but dysfunctional ones are useless
Source: Threads
However, some netizens also agreed with the OP. One commenter warned that fewer future workers could mean higher taxes, taxed pensions, and later retirement.
Translation: I don’t know what you’re trying to say. The system works this way: the current working generation supports society through taxes. If there are fewer taxpayers, where else can the money come from? Pension income may eventually face taxes too; governments will raise the retirement age and charge future taxpayers more. This time, everyone will have to contribute, single, childfree, or with children. It’s inevitable
Source: Threads
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Featured image adapted from ภาพของSakorn Sukkasemsakorn on Canva, Aflo Images on Canva, both for illustration purposes only.
