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A recent report by women's rights group SIS Forum (Malaysia) has identified the top three reasons for divorce among its Muslim clients in 2024: communication breakdown, domestic violence, and the husband's failure to provide financially
The findings are based on Telenisa, the group's free legal clinic, which handled 188 client cases last year and does not necessarily represent the national picture.
The report also highlighted major gaps in Malaysia's Syariah court system, claiming that weak enforcement has left women and children vulnerable to poverty and domestic violence.
The findings show that 92% of the clients were women, with many coming from low-income households who are financially dependent on their spouses.
The most critical issue highlighted was the failure to provide child support, or nafkah, followed by divorce disputes, custody battles, and domestic violence
According to the report, the main reasons fathers failed to pay nafkah were unemployment, paying insufficient amounts, or simply ignoring court orders.
The report also recorded 20 cases of domestic violence, seven of sexual abuse, 26 of financial abuse, and 23 of psychological abuse.
Rozana Isa, the Executive Director of SIS Forum, said these challenges point to a clear problem within the justice system
"The struggles faced by our clients show one thing clearly: women and children are paying the price of weak enforcement of maintenance orders and the gaps in our justice system," she said in a statement.
Among its recommendations, SIS Forum urged the establishment of a national Child Support Agency to manage and enforce payments.
"Justice delayed is justice denied. For every case we record, there are many more women who cannot come forward. Reforms in enforcement, legal aid, and protection mechanisms are not optional – they are essential if we are serious about justice and compassion in our Syariah system," Rozana added.
