MIRI: The divorce rate in Sarawak has reached a very alarming rate with Muslim couples topping the list.
According to the latest statistics from the Social Development Council (SDC) 3,008 divorce cases were reported in 2012, an increase of 7.2 per cent from the figure in 2011 of 2,805 cases and in 2010 the number was 1,559.
From 3,008 cases in 2012, a total of 1,536 cases or 51.1 per cent of divorce cases involved Muslim couples, 1,039 (civil marriage) and 433 (native customs – adat).
Saying this was Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education and Family Development, Rosey Yunus, when closing a one-day seminar on marriage called ‘Cinta di Hati’ organised by the Ministry of Social Development and SDC, here yesterday.
She added that studies conducted by SDC and UiTM (Samarahan campus) showed that the majority of the divorce cases occurred among couples aged between 21 and 25.
“However, these could be only the tip of the iceberg because the statistics only shows divorce/marriage cases that were registered.
“What is worrying are those cases that are not registered. As such, more seminars like should be organised to benefit more people and to reduce incidence of divorce in the state,” she said.
Rosey said the development of a happy family institution was the responsibility of everyone. As such she urged houses of worhip, non-governmental organisations and community leaders to take the lead in organising more seminars to enhance the family institutions.
Meanwhile, the seminar organising chairperson and SDC secretary, Aishah Edris, said the seminar was the third in the series organised to enhance family institution in the state.
The first one, held in Kuching in Oct 29, 2012 was attended by 220 people, the second one in Bintulu on March 4 saw 175 participants while more 200 attended the one held here.
Five working papers were presented during the seminar and among the moderators was the Miri Deputy Resident (Social) Emang Oyo Emang.
Miri District Officer Boniface Intang Apat and Superintendent Stanley Jonathon Ringgit were among those who came for the closing ceremony.