A total of 11,808 individuals in that age group were declared bankrupt during the five-year period, underscoring growing financial strain during what should be peak earning years. Data shows personal loans were the main cause of bankruptcy, making up 46.63% of all cases between 2021 and 2025. Because personal loans are unsecured and carry higher interest rates, repayments can quickly consume monthly income. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the figures lend weight to concerns about the so-called sandwich generation. Even moderate economic shocks such as job disruption, health expenses or interest rate adjustments can quickly strain cash flow and push financially stretched households into insolvency,” he said.

Source: The Star February 28, 2026 15:36 UTC