Divorce Trends among the Malay Community in Perlis, Malaysia over a Ten Year Period (2006 ~ 2015)

Abstract

Various domestic conflicts cause spouses to choose divorce as their last resort. The divorce rate of the Malay community in Malaysia increases from day to day. The State of Perlis is not exempt from the same problem where the divorce rate has increased over time, particularly among the Malay community. By using a qualitative method, this study aims to identify the trends and factors that increase the divorce rate among the Malays in Perlis within a ten year period between 2006 to 2015. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis from 30 divorce files in the Perlis Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs). The findings show three main factors that contribute to divorce, namely; no understanding, being irresponsible, and having unscrupulous partners. This study suggests a number of programmes be implemented by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to strengthen the awareness and responsibility of the husband to ensure that the divorce rate can be reduced among the Perlis Malay community.