More couples in Malaysia have successfully reconciled their marriages after seeking professional counselling, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She revealed that between October 2024 and August 2025, 31 out of 236 couples—approximately 13.1%—who approached the Marriage Conciliation Body managed to repair their relationships.

The Marriage Conciliation Body operates in partnership with the National Registration Department to provide mediation and support for couples facing marital difficulties. In addition to this group, nearly 24% of the couples sought further counselling through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), indicating a willingness among many to engage in continued efforts to save their marriages.

Addressing attendees at the Marital Happiness Forum, held in conjunction with National Counselling Month, Nancy emphasized that offering couples a platform to be heard and guided allows for more thoughtful and rational decision-making, which can lead to improved relationships.

The minister also highlighted the growing challenges confronting Malaysian families. Divorce cases rose by 4.1% in 2024, reaching 60,457, while reports of domestic violence increased from 5,507 in 2023 to 7,391 in 2025. Nancy warned that family conflicts not only strain marital ties but can also negatively impact children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Citing common triggers such as work-related stress, financial difficulties, fatigue, feelings of being unappreciated, and suppressed emotions, the minister called for more mature and safe approaches to managing anger within the family setting. “When anger is not controlled, it can affect the physical and emotional well-being of a family,” she said.

The forum and the statistics presented underscore the need for continued support services and awareness initiatives to strengthen family relationships amid rising social pressures.