THERE are provisions under the Syariah laws which allow for a third party in a marriage who causes the couple to divorce to be charged in the Syariah Court.

Kosmo! reported Malaysia Syarie Lawyers Association deputy president Musa Awang as saying that every state had the criminal enactment in their Syariah laws.

"Family members or even in-laws can be charged if there is enough evidence.

"If convicted, the accused can be fined RM1,000 (S$413) or jailed six months or both," he said.

However, Musa said the criminal enactment could only be enforced after a divorce had occurred.

"Maybe many do not care anymore after the divorce. So, what is there to fight about anymore?" he said, adding that he believed that the enactment had never been enforced.

He said 60% of divorces and applications for divorce were due to the presence of "a third party".

-The Star/Asia News Network