What Do Divorce Statistics Tell Us About Malaysia?

How many divorces are there each year?

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), tens of thousands of divorces are registered in Malaysia every year. The figures include civil divorces under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 and Muslim divorces.

DOSM figures show a rising trend over the past two decades. Easier access to legal information, economic change and changing social attitudes all play a part.

Why do marriages end?

Money problems, infidelity and couples who can no longer get along are commonly given reasons. These match the facts the Act lets you rely on, such as adultery and unreasonable behaviour.

Money is a frequent source of strain: debt, different spending habits and rising living costs.

When a couple can no longer settle disagreements, the relationship wears down. In a petition, this is often framed as unreasonable behaviour.

Does it matter who files?

Under the Act, husband and wife have the same right to file for divorce. The court looks at each case on its own facts, whoever files.

How long does a divorce take?

It depends mainly on whether you agree. A joint petition, where you have settled everything, is usually much faster than a contested divorce. Disputes over custody, property and maintenance make a case longer.

Before filing a single petition, you usually have to go through conciliation first. A joint petition does not need this step.

At the end, the court grants a decree nisi and then a decree absolute. Under Section 61, the decree nisi usually cannot be made absolute until three months have passed.

What the numbers cannot tell you

National figures do not predict your outcome. What decides your case is your facts: whether you agree, your children, your property and the evidence you have.

Knowing your rights early helps you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? If you want to understand what applies to your own situation, rather than the averages, read how civil divorce works or request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.