Free Second Honeymoon

You too can qualify for a free second honeymoon if your marriage is on the brink of divorce and you have been through marriage counseling. Oh, and you also have to live in the Malaysian state of Terrengganu.

To combat a soaring divorce rate not only among newlyweds but also among couples married 20 years or more, the Malaysian state recently ran a pilot program with 25 couples on the verge of divorce. The couples were given three days and two nights at one of the states island or beach resorts to give them one more opportunity to patch things up. The program was effective enough that it will be deployed state wide by the end of the year.

The program costs about RM1500 per couple.

Malaysia is a primarily Muslim country. Divorce is legal, but frowned upon; Prophet Mohammed said that divorce was, in the eyes of God, the most distasteful lawful act.

Said Ashaari Idris, the State Welfare, Community Development and Women Affairs committee chairman: "We hope through this package couples will treasure their marital ties and avoid separation or divorce."

Sources:
The Star
World News Australia (photo)
Herald Sun
Malaysian Insider