Moral and social issues top list of family complaints to Jakim

PORT DICKSON – The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) recorded a total of 378,815 family-related complaints from 2021 to last year.

Jakim Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that data from the Malaysian Islamic Marriage Management System (SPPIM) indicated that the highest number of complaints, totalling 167,619 cases, involved issues related to moral or social behaviour.

“This number is higher compared to other issues, such as irresponsibility, communication problems, lack of religious appreciation, third-party interference, health problems, sexual issues, financial problems, career conflicts, and background differences.

“We received these complaints through various channels, such as KSK Care, a helpline designed to support Muslims facing family or marital issues, whether they are newlyweds or established families. We also have qualified counsellors available to help,” he told a media conference here yesterday.

As part of its approach, Jakim introduced post-marriage courses as a platform to support married couples in enhancing their understanding of family life, aiming for harmony and happiness.

“This session included 20 married couples, each involving Jakim staff and their spouses, all with marriage durations between 11 and 20 years,” he added.

On another matter, Sirajuddin emphasised that Jakim was committed to addressing the issue of deviant teachings in Malaysia, using enforcement, outreach, and accurate information dissemination to tackle doctrinal deviations.

“When reports of deviant teachings are received, immediate action is taken by the respective state religious authorities, following a decision from the State Fatwa Committee and guidance from the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Affairs (MKI).

“Discussions on imposing stricter punishments are ongoing within the relevant committees to determine the appropriate actions and penalties for those spreading deviant teachings,” he said.