KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has reported high divorce rates which primarily affect "young families," defined as couples married for less than 10 years.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri noted that the average age at which Malaysians enter marriage, was typically between 27 and 28 years old.
According to the 2023 Malaysia Marriage and Divorce Statistics Report, the highest divorce rates are among men aged 35 to 39 and women aged 30 to 34.
"To strengthen family institutions, the ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), has introduced programmes tailored to different stages of marriage, including pre-marriage, early marriage, and ongoing support as families grow," she explained in a written response in Parliament.
These comments were made in reply to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamuddin (PN-Alor Setar), who inquired about the ministry's plans for family empowerment, particularly for couples in the crucial first five years of marriage.
Additionally, Nancy highlighted that the board offers family planning services for newly married couples.
"For those experiencing difficulties in conceiving, LPPKN also provides fertility treatment services," she stated.
She also mentioned that LPPKN offers postnatal care through its MamaCare programme, designed to support young mothers in their recovery and help them return to active lives, including going back to work.