{
  "id": 9645728,
  "title": "Beyond reconciliation: How the National Population and Family Development Board helps non-Muslim couples part ways peacefully",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/beyond-reconciliation-how-the-national-population-and-family",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/25/beyond-reconciliation-how-the-national-population-and-family-development-board-helps-non-muslim-couples-part-ways-peacefully/236360"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 25, the National Population and Family Development Board’s (LPPKN) Mediator Body Pilot Project expanded its efforts beyond marriage reconciliation, offering support to non-Muslim couples seeking amicable separations while maintaining their parental duties. Dr Sarada Devi R. Subramaniam, a psychology officer and counsellor with LPPKN’s Family Well-being Division, explained the initiative's objective: to help couples make informed decisions and recognize that their parental roles persisted despite changes in marital status. According to Sarada Devi, the project’s success was evaluated not solely by the number of couples who reconciled but also by assisting those who opted for divorce to part ways harmoniously while continuing to fulfill their parental obligations. Separating couples were required to maintain financial support and involvement in their children’s lives, avoiding the dilemma of favoring one parent over the other. The Mediator Body Pilot Project, a joint initiative between the National Registration Department (JPN) and LPPKN, provides counselling and intervention services to non-Muslim couples experiencing marital disputes, aiming to resolve their issues prior to filing for divorce. Sarada Devi highlighted that JPN’s collaboration facilitated registered LPPKN counsellors to assist in marriage tribunal cases involving non-Muslim couples, providing a secure and impartial setting for both parties to voice their marital concerns separately. Following this, couples were referred to LPPKN for counselling to address underlying marriage issues and deliberate on their next steps before a joint session to decide on continuing their marriage or separating. Sarada Devi observed that marital conflict frequently originated from communication issues, infidelity, financial difficulties, and interference from family members or friends, whose biased advice could be detrimental. However, she emphasized that initial complaints might not always reflect the true cause, as financial problems could sometimes be rooted in emotional neglect. Counsellors fostered a confidential and non-judgmental environment, enabling couples to discuss their concerns and deepen their understanding of each other’s emotional needs and \"love languages,\" such as expressions of appreciation, affectionate touch, and quality time. Sarada Devi also advised individuals attending sessions alone, such as those with overseas foreign spouses, to plan their post-divorce lives effectively, focusing on managing finances, careers, and single parenthood responsibilities. Sarada Devi recommended seeking professional assistance before making decisions about marital future and encouraged couples to utilize LPPKN programs like SMARTSTART to improve their preparedness for married life.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — The National Population and Family Development Board’s (LPPKN) Mediator Body Pilot P...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Beyond reconciliation: How the National Population and Family Development Board helps non-Muslim couples part ways peacefully",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/beyond-reconciliation-how-the-national-population-and-family-9647263",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}