Kuala Lumpur:The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) is enhancing its marriage counselling and conciliation services to assist couples in managing conflicts, amid a reported increase in divorce cases, which totaled 60,457 nationwide last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that this initiative is being carried out through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and involves a Family Conciliation Body established in collaboration with the National Registration Department (JPN). Since its inception in October 2024, the body has addressed 236 couple cases, with 13.1 percent successfully reconciled and 24 percent continuing counselling with LPPKN.

The need to strengthen these services has become crucial following a 4.1 percent rise in divorce cases in 2024 compared to the previous year. Nancy highlighted that marital issues not only impact couples but also affect the emotional well-being of children. The 2022 National Adolescent Health Survey by the Ministry of Health Malaysia found that about one in four adolescents experienced depression, and one in six felt lonely.

Domestic violence cases have also risen, with the Royal Malaysia Police reporting 7,391 cases last year, up from 5,507 in 2023. To combat this, KPWKM is implementing the "Stop Domestic Violence" campaign through the Department of Women's Development to raise public awareness.

The Marital Happiness Forum, part of Counselling Month 2026, was attended by 1,600 participants nationwide. It featured 100 Family Psychoeducational Group sessions led by registered professional counsellors, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records.