Malaysian bachelors using matchmaking agencies to find foreign brides

Kuala Lumpur, July 25 (ANI): Work pressure seems to be taking its toll on single Malaysian men - many are trying to find their other half with the help of matchmaking agencies.

Many businessmen and professionals like engineers and company managers are opting for "instant" brides from Vietnam, Indonesia or China and are willing to shell out anything between RM10,000 and RM30,000 so that matchmaking agencies bring the women to Malaysia.

The amount covers processing and agency fees.

Some local agencies are also linking up with their foreign counterparts to "supply" the brides online.

Customers get to view the candidates online and communicate with the agencies via e-mail. After a woman is selected, she is flown over for a trial meeting.

According to the agencies, this is entirely legal as the women sign up for the service willingly, many with their parents' support.

The potential bride undergoes a medical check-up to ensure she doesn't have sexually transmitted or other diseases and could even take a virginity test if her future husband so demands.

If all goes well, a pair ties the knot in less than a month, before the woman's visa expires. (ANI)