Singapore the proper forum for Malaysian couple’s divorce, court rules

The Court of Appeal in Singapore has ruled that the divorce proceedings of a Malaysian couple should be dealt with in Singapore, rather than in Malaysia. The decision takes into consideration the best interests of the couple's three children, who have been living in Singapore since 2008. The wife, who has been the primary caregiver for the children, was granted RM45,000 in costs by the court.

The husband, identified as XYZ, was ordered to pay these costs and was found to have not properly served the divorce papers to his wife, who resides in Singapore. The court also dismissed the husband's claim that Malaysia was the more appropriate jurisdiction for the proceedings, as the children's best interests should be prioritized.