KULAI: Failure to adapt to the new norm under the pandemic may be one of the main reasons why Johor has the second highest number of divorce applications.

       National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), Johor Family Centre director Dr Salmi Jalina Jalil said that while there could be several reasons for divorce, some also see it as an easy way out.

       “The pandemic has given birth to many issues – from financial instability to loss of an income source.

       “Parents who used to be busy working are now spending more time at home due to the movement control order (MCO), and there might have been (some) conflict during this time.

       “So the environment and internal pressures may have caused some of the relationships to fail and the couples to decide it would be better to go their separate ways,” she said after the launching ceremony of the Malaysian Family Month Celebration at the Temenggong apartments here yesterday.

       She added that the high number of divorce applications could also have been caused by limited access to the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) and the National Registration Department (JPN), as the departments were either closed or had reduced their operations during the MCO.

       Salmi Jalina said this when asked to comment on the report regarding 78,000 divorce cases recorded nationwide from March 2020 to August 2021, which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Selangor had the highest cases of Muslim divorces, with 12,479, followed by Johor (7,558), Kedah (5,985) and Kelantan (5,982).

       She added that based on the LPPKN Fifth Malaysian Population and Family Survey (MPFS-5) in 2014, one of the main reasons for divorce was the influence of outsiders in the relationship, ranging from in-laws and parents to siblings and other family members.

       “We can seek advice from them, but do not let them make the decision on behalf of the couple.

       “There are also cases of cheating and misunderstanding, but in general, there is no single factor that causes a divorce,” she said.

       “We at LPPKN do provide premarital classes for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, where we teach them how to improve their relationship, aside from preparing them for parenthood,” she said, adding that LPPKN also provides online counselling sessions for couples.

       “Aside from calling our toll-free line at 1800 82 0300, couples can also arrange an appointment with us online.”