MARRIED men in Malacca may receive RM1,000 from the state government if they choose to take poor, single mothers as second wives, reported Harian Metro.

The daily quoted Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who made the proposal, as stressing that the incentive would be given on condition, among others, that the men do not divorce their first wives.

He said the move was not to encourage polygamy but to ease the burden of single mothers who are dependent on welfare aid from various parties.

'The matter is still being considered. The state government will decide following discussions with various parties, including the Malacca Islamic Religious Department, Women and Family Development Council and Welfare Department,' he said.

In an effort to curb social ills such as illicit sex and Mat Rempit, Mohd Ali said the state government would consider giving a similar incentive to youths who get married before 30.

'Currently, young women have been discovered to have illegitimate children, tarnishing the image of Islam and that of their families.'