KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) recorded a decline in marriages and a simultaneous increase in divorces within the country in 2022.
Its chief statistician, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said the number of marriages among the country's population recorded a decrease of 0.5 per cent, or 214,824 in 2022 compared to the preceding year, which was 215,973.
"One of the significant contributors to this decline was a 4.1 per cent decrease in Islamic marriages, with 168,726 recorded in 2022 compared to 176,002 in the previous year.
"Notably, Putrajaya, Perak, and Terengganu emerged as the states with the most substantial reductions in Islamic marriages, registering declines of 19.6 per cent, 12.8 per cent, and 11.3 per cent, respectively.
"Meanwhile, non-Muslim marriages witnessed a 15.3 per cent surge, rising from 39,971 in 2021 to 46,098 in 2022, with Terengganu, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan showcasing the highest increases."
He also said that Petaling district in Selangor emerged as a significant hub for marriages among both Islamic and non-Islamic individuals in 2022.
"Muslim marriages in Petaling recorded 8,602 unions, followed by Johor Bahru, Johor, and Ulu Langat, Selangor.
"For non-Muslim individuals, Petaling district saw 3,304 marriages, followed by Johor Bahru, Johor, and Klang, Selangor," he added.
In contrast to the trends in marriages, the report also revealed an increase in divorce rates, surging to 43.1 per cent, reaching 62,890 in 2022 from 43,936 compared to the previous year.
"Both Muslim and non-Muslim divorce rates increased, with Kedah, Sabah, and Perlis showing the highest spikes among Islamic divorces, while Putrajaya, Johor, and Melaka led the rise in non-Muslim divorces," said Uzir.
He said the statistics unveil critical social trends and dynamics within the country, revealing shifts in marriage and divorce patterns that warrant attention and further study.