Malaysia state offering second honeymoon for ‘rocky marriage’

This could be one for Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

In an attempt to solve marital crisis, a state in north-east Malaysia is offering free second honeymoons to couples contemplating of putting to naught their marital vows and calling it quits.

Ashaari Idris, a government official in Terengganu, said couples on the brink of divorce should take advantage of this program aimed at building family ties by spend two nights at one of the state’s scenic island resorts.

Idris said those who wished to take part would have to apply, undergo an interview and also commit to marital counselling.

“After marriage, some are unable to cope with the new challenges,” Mr Ashaari told the AFP news agency. “I want to strengthen family ties. If a marriage breaks down, it will hurt the children and it will have serious implications on society.”

To start with, the Muslim-majority state had already carried out a pilot project involving 25 couples.

Now it remains to be seen if, indeed, the crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees of Terrengganu can help coulples love each other’s in-laws again, find a solution to their financial problem and make them promise each other, one more time, to cherish each other in bad times and good.