One thing about Malaysians that I can't wrap my head around

When I was a kid, it was normal to make fun of adults for being unmarried, ESPECIALLY women. They are shamed for being old maidens. It became a warning to young girls that if you don't learn how to cook and clean, you'll be miserable cat ladies (honestly who would not want that, pets are great) and no man would want you. Why is this mentality still so common here? It's not even about being a so called "liberal", it's about equating people to assigned roles based on their genders and why is it an acceptable thing.

Also yes, ik this is Malaysia where religion is a huge part of the culture. But is that a valid reason to criticise those who choose to not be tied down by marriage? Don't get me wrong, love is beautiful, being married can be a fulfilling thing. What I can't get behind is the shaming of someone who choose differently than what is considered "normal".

I'm not above learning, if shaming unmarried women/men is justified, can those who agree with it explain why, aside from what religion implore you to do?