LETTERS: A survey by the National Population and Family Development Board early this year found that 80 per cent out of 1,148 respondents (parents aged 18 and above) started to feel the pinch of the pandemic, both economically and on their mental health, during the lockdowns.
The survey found that 84.1 per cent had suffered emotional pressure or stress, and 63 per cent had experienced depression, from which 20.4 per cent had anger management issues.
Due to that and other factors, 76,786 divorces were filed nationwide between March last year and August.
While the 10,346 divorces recorded among non-Muslims in that period were fewer than 2019's figure, Muslims saw a 46 per cent increase from 2019, with 66,440 cases in the same period.
It is feared that children from divorced families will drop out of school or be out of work in the long-run. When divorcees could not overcome their financial obligations, they would first fall into mental depression and illness.
If they could not find new ways to cope with the pain of losing loved ones or their income, committing suicide would be the likely outcome even though they are aware that suicide is a harmful act not only to themselves but also to their immediate family, friends and the wider community.
In addition, single mothers are particularly a socially and economically vulnerable group that is at risk from various physical and mental health problems.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry reported recently that 2,040 child abuse cases were recorded in the first four months of this year, and nearly 30 per cent of them were physical and sexual abuse.
In an effort to reduce the divorce rate in Malaysia, EMIR Research recommends the following to the government:
WORK with counsellors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that advocate the strengthening of the family institution and familial relations to understand the problems that arise from married couples who are at the crossroads and on the brink of divorce;
CREATE an awareness campaign on the importance of marriage besides illustrating the potential physical, social, psychological and economic disadvantages of divorce;
ENCOURAGE family members to make time every week (e.g. every Sunday), for bonding.
As Malaysia moves towards the endemic stage, families could play outdoor games or do a physical activity together, like going for a walk, or enjoying the sunshine and fresh air in public parks
These activities would help to reinforce family cohesion and foster deeper bonds, especially during tough times caused by the ongoing pandemic; and,
ENCOURAGE companies to promote an empathetic culture where employees with family commitments do not feel pressured to keep their struggles private.
Acknowledging domestic problems will motivate employees to perform their tasks better. They will also feel more comfortable approaching a supervisor to share problems that may affect their work.
When married couples find ways to improve their relationship, they can strengthen family ties with their children through frequent communication and bonding.
In the long run, this will contribute to creating a more harmonious and happy society that is beneficial to the nation.
AMANDA YEO
Research analyst
EMIR Research
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times