SHAH ALAM – Selangor Pas Youth has urged Malaysians to focus on strengthening family institutions, citing the country’s high divorce rates as a growing concern that requires early intervention, education and a return to faith-based principles.
Its chief Mohamed Sukri Omar highlighted the importance of preparing couples before marriage and ensuring society provided adequate support to married couples.
“We are all concerned about the state of family institutions in our country, especially the high divorce rates, which demand that we first focus on family education.
“In Malaysia, we have pre-marriage courses and other initiatives to help couples when they marry so they know how to manage their households well.
“I hope this also gets attention at the early education stage, whether in universities or secondary schools, recognising the need for education on family building,” he told Sinar Daily.
Sukri said the pressures of modern life contributed heavily to marital breakdowns. He explained that the first factor was the stress and demands of everyday life, which significantly influenced high divorce rates.
Another key factor was the lack of understanding of responsibilities between the husband and wife, which can lead to conflict and separation. He also emphasised that a family should be built on the principles and spirit of Islam, as a strong spiritual foundation provided stability and harmony.
“For Muslims, the guidance of the Quran gives life to a household,” he added.
He stressed that without a spiritual foundation, the values of peace, harmony and contentment within the family would be lost.
“If we live without religious guidance, a family built without it will eventually lose the tranquility that a sakinah mawaddah household should have.
“Happiness only comes with Allah's blessing, so families must return to Him,” he said.
Sukri also encouraged couples to seek reconciliation before considering divorce, emphasising the role of state religious agencies in supporting families.
“Do not make divorce the easy way out. Try to save the household first; perhaps there are issues that can be resolved,” he added.
However, he stressed that cases involving domestic violence must not be compromised, while in other situations there was often room for discussion and solutions that can help prevent divorce.
He highlighted the need for a holistic approach to understanding divorce, suggesting that experts be consulted to better identify causes and solutions.
Sukri noted that there were many factors behind divorce that needed to be examined comprehensively. He suggested gathering experts to study these issues more effectively and to identify what the government and society can do to protect and preserve family institutions in the country.
“The strength of a nation comes from strong families. That is why we want children born into good families, who will continue to uphold these values,” he said.