LETTERS: The article "Life hardly a box of chocolates", about a single mum with five kids (NST, Oct 27) brings to the readers the plight and challenges of single mothers in Malaysia.
Statistics reveal the existence of nearly 235,240 single mothers or 1.7 per cent from the total population. Single mother families are increasing, causing a great concern for the government.
Statistics also show a rising incidence of divorce in Malaysia.
Over 80,000 divorce cases were recorded nationwide from March last year to August this year.
This is equivalent to over 130 divorce cases a day. Many of these involved couples married less than 10 years.
As a result, many single mothers undergo emotional and behavioural changes which can have serious consequences on their children.
Most single mother families experience financial crisis and in worse cases, they're not able to fulfil the basic needs of food and shelter.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is responsible for strengthening the family institution, and handling the issue of single mother hardships.
Financial assistance should be rendered to single mothers to alleviate their sufferings.
The ministry should also look into the high rate of divorce and separation which results in many women becoming single mothers.
The respective family organisations and religious bodies need to implement measures to strengthen the institution of marriage through effective pre-marriage courses for men and women intending to get married.
These courses should be made compulsory for all couples of all races and religions. They will also help identify potential problem areas, conflict management, parenthood, financial management and family values.
The courses could help reduce marriage related issues and prepare them to face the impending onslaught of marital blues and thus rein in separation and divorce.
Finally, men who desert their families should be held accountable and pay a monthly alimony to the wife and children.
Samuel Yesuiah
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times