KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 -- Malaysia's youths do want to start a family, but many aren't sure if it's the right time as financial realities stand in the way, along with quiet doubts about the future.

Researchers say it's a dilemma reflected not only in surveys, but also in new global research showing similar anxieties across both rich and developing countries.

"I think young people are currently struggling with the daily struggles of everyday life that are not very easily captured in statistics," said Universiti Malayasenior lecturer Vilashini Somiah at a recent forum here in conjunction with World Population Day.

The anthropologist said that apart from financial worries - including the cost of living, education loans and high housing pri...