LPPKN’s Peacemaker Body Pilot Project helps non-Muslim couples resolve marriage crises with 16% reconciliation success rate.
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Population and Family Development Board introduced its Peacemaker Body Pilot Project in November last year to address marriage crises among non-Muslim families.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri described the project as an innovative initiative integrating counselling, intervention, and legal approaches.
She cited concerns over rising divorce cases as motivation for establishing the project.
Malaysia recorded 62,890 divorce cases in 2022 compared to 43,936 cases in 2021 before dropping to 57,835 cases in 2023.
The project serves as a pre-legal space helping couples seek solutions before filing court cases.
It provides counselling with both parties and offers platforms for family conferencing.
This mechanism empowers data-and research-based social services with five research grants worth 240,000 ringgit currently developing evidence-based interventions.
Nancy spoke at the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Peacemaker Body Pilot Project between the National Registration Department and LPPKN.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also attended the ceremony.
Nancy emphasised the project’s significance in combining JPN’s expertise in non-Muslim marriage registration with LPPKN’s family strengthening capabilities.
Eighty-three couples have participated in the project since implementation until last September.
Thirteen couples representing 16% of participants successfully reconciled under LPPKN’s guidance.
Saifuddin Nasution noted the 16% success rate significantly exceeds the national average.
Only 2% of couples reconciled when cases were handled entirely by JPN over the past decade.
The pilot project’s success in Kuala Lumpur catalysed the memorandum signing between JPN and LPPKN.
This memorandum remains effective for three years until 2028 and will expand the pilot project nationwide.
The collaboration strengthens both departments’ functions in supporting family institutions.
This initiative aligns with the MADANI Government’s agenda prioritising social welfare and community harmony.
Strengthening family development forms the foundation of a progressive and resilient nation. – Bernama
