Blog 21_Government offers free honeymoon for troubled couples

The government of a north-east state in Malaysia has offered free "second" honeymoon to couples who are at the brink of divorce.

Ashaari Idris, a government official in Terengganu, said that troubled couples would be offered to spend two nights at one of the state's scenic island resorts.

"Before marriage, all was good. But after marriage, some are unable to cope with the new challenges," Ashaari told AFP. He says that this programme is aiming to strengthen family ties.

"I want to strengthen family ties. If a marriage breaks down, it will hurt the children and it will have serious implications on society." he says.

Those who wish to take part will have to apply, undergo an interview and commit to marital counselling. So far, 25 couples have volunteered to participate in a pilot project and undergone counselling on Monday.

Under Islam, divorce is allowed but not encouraged, with the Prophet Mohammed saying divorce was, in the eyes of God, the most distasteful lawful act.Ashaari said that the Muslim-majority north-eastern state has one of the lowest divorce rate in Malaysia, however, no official data has been disclosed.

Picture courtesy of Terengganu Tourism Board

Blog 5_ Matchmaking for a 107-year-old, anyone?

To all the single ladies out there, it is never too late to wait for "the question" to pop up, or, in some cases, pop the question yourself.

Wook Kundor, a 107-year-old woman from Malaysia told reporters that she wants to get married again, for the 23rd time, because she is afraid that her current husband may leave her for a younger woman.

Mrs Wook, who lives in northern Kuala Terengganu, has been separated from her husband, Mohammad Noor Che Musa, after he has decided to check into a rehab centre in Kuala Lumpur in July.

The couple married four years ago and made it to the headlines due to the 70 years of age difference.

Mrs Wook's husband said that it was "God's will" that they fell in love. But now, love may not be in the air for the couple anymore.

"Lately there is a kind of insecurity in me," Mrs Wook told the Star newspaper. "My intention to remarry is to fill my forlornness and nothing more than that."

But it may not be an easy task to find Mrs Wook a suitor.

"I realise that I am an aged woman," she said. "I don't have the body, nor am I a young woman who can attract anyone."

However, there is still hope between the couple. Mrs Wook said she would consider staying together with her husband if the 37-year-old still has feelings for her.