Divorces among Malay-Muslims down

Preliminary figures show that the number of divorces stands at about 1,620 last year, down from some 1,940 in 2006, said Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, yesterday.

The community has also seen progress in education and employment, he told the House during the Budget debate on Malay-Muslim issues.

Dr Yaacob noted that marriages involving minors had dropped some 35 per cent since 2006 - a sign that the community has gained some ground in tackling the issue of marriages involving minors.

The positive results involving minor couples could be credited to the efforts of the INSPIRASI hubs operated by the Young Women Muslim Association Family Service Centre (West) and the Association of Muslim Professionals.

Last year, more than 40 per cent of the 307 couples who attended premarital counselling at the INSPIRASI hubs either delayed or cancelled their marriage.

Turning to the educational attainment of youths, Dr Yaacob said it has been improving. Figures provided by the Education Ministry showed that Malay students have made the greatest improvement over the past 10 years in their performance at the GCE 'A' Level Examinations.

The proportion of Malays aged 15 and over with at least post-secondary qualifications has doubled from 18 per cent in 2000 to 36 per cent last year.

Dr Yaacob said the situation is improving but the community must not rest on its laurels.

ORIGINAL SOURCE