SHAH ALAM – The Selangor Legislative Assembly was informed that high living costs are one of the factors contributing to the state’s high divorce rate among Muslims.
State Islamic Affairs and Cultural Innovation exco Mohammad Fahmi Ngah explained that the disparity between income growth and rising living costs can have a negative impact on couples’ psychology and social well-being, leading to divorce.
“When household income cannot cover expenses, they may seek additional part-time or supplementary employment to meet their financial needs. Due to busy work schedules, quality time with children is reduced, eventually impacting family institutions and leading to divorce.”
He was responding to Mu’izzuddeen Mahyuddin’s (Hulu Bernam-PN) question about the factors that contribute to Selangor having the highest divorce rate among states in 2023.
Fahmi also mentioned that rapid development and migration into Selangor are contributing factors to the situation.
He highlighted that individuals who marry outside the state but later work and reside in Selangor would probably register their divorces there, as issues related to family institutions, such as divorce, must be officially registered and resolved according to the jurisdiction of the shariah court in the applicant’s current place of residence.
Fahmi said that the Selangor Shariah Judiciary Department has suggested conducting a comprehensive study to determine the root causes of divorce cases in Selangor.
This study can be used by the state government or relevant agencies to develop policies or programmes aimed at lowering the divorce rate in Selangor, he added. – March 4, 2024