Kuala Lampur, October 13: Malaysia’s eastern state of Terengganu is offering free-of-charge second honeymoon trip to couple on the verge of divorce to help rekindle buried emotions and save their marriage and address soaring divorce rates in the state.
“With this package, we hope the couples will treasure their marital ties and avoid separations,” Ashaari Idris, head of the State Welfare, Community Development and Women Affairs Committee, told.
The honeymoon packages, to be launched by the end of the year, would be co-sponsored by the state government and the Family and the Council.
The objective is to help feuding couples mend fences and turn a new leaf in their relations.
A pilot program saw 25 couples on the verge of divorce spend three days and two nights on one of the tropical islands off Terengganu.The bill was footed by the state government.
Ashaari said the outcome was positive, helped save some marriages and encouraged the state officials to go ahead with the full program.
The trip would only be offered after providing marriage counseling for couples to decide their need for the second honeymoon.
According to the 2006 census, Terengganu has a population of more than one million, of which Malays make up 94.7 percent.
Malaysia has a population of nearly 26 millions, with Malays, mostly Muslims, making up nearly 60 percent.
Marriage Challenges
Officials hope the innovative idea would help address soaring divorces rates in the state.
“Newly-wed couples are facing numerous problems. Among them are financial issues and problems related to their in-laws,” Ashaari told.
“Before marriage, all was good. But after marriage, some are unable to cope with the new challenges.”
Ashaari asserts that the marriage problems are not restricted to the newly-weds alone.
“It is unacceptable for those married for more than two decades to file for divorce.”
Marriage in Islam is a sacred bond that brings together a man and a woman by virtue of the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Each partner in this sacred relationship must treat the other properly and with respect.
Divorce is not at all viewed favorably in Islam and is discouraged unless warranted by valid reasons.
“I want to strengthen family ties,” insists Ashaari.
“If a marriage breaks down, it will hurt the children and it will have serious implications on society.”
-Agencies