Johor Bahru: The total number of divorce cases filed in the Syariah Court throughout Johor increased from 7,174 in 2023 to 7,306 last year. State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid identified several causes for these divorces, including lack of understanding, financial problems, irresponsible spouses, third-party involvement, and external interference by in-laws.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the most notable rise was observed in divorce claims or applications, which increased to 4,264 cases last year compared to 4,042 in 2023. Meanwhile, claims for the validation of lafaz cerai (divorce pronouncements) saw a slight increase to 2,462 cases in 2024, up from 2,416 in the previous year. These statistics were discussed in response to a query from Marina Ibrahim (PH-Skudai) about data from the Religious Office on cases of failure to provide maintenance (nafkah) following divorce, during the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar.

Fasakh (annulment) claims experienced a noticeable decline to 545 cases in 2024 from 675 cases in 2023. Applications for confirmation of cerai taklik (divorce by condition) decreased to 27 cases last year compared to 33 in the prior year. Applications for khuluk (a specific type of divorce initiated by a wife) remained steady at eight cases last year.

Mohd Fared further detailed that the age group with the highest number of divorce filings last year was couples aged 26 to 35, accounting for 2,838 cases. This was followed by those aged 36 to 45 with 1,951 cases, 46 to 55 with 881 cases, 18 to 25 with 747 cases, 56 to 65 with 349 cases, and finally, those aged 66 and above with 124 cases.