Course on parenting skills to strengthen family institution for married couples - Rina

Its minister, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said it has been a requirement for potential brides and bridegrooms, especially Muslims, to attend a marriage course before they can be married.

"After the marriage, there is no more course required. Hence, the ministry takes the issue of strengthening the family institution seriously, whereby the post-marriage course will include on parenting skills," she said after opening the Women's Empowerment Programme, held in conjunction with International Women's Day, at the Tanjung Pelepas Port, Gelang Patah here today.

She said the ministry was now considering whether or not to make the post-marriage course compulsory for all races.

Meanwhile, Rina said the ministry was working with the private sector to create about 10,000 employment opportunities, especially for women.

In another development, she said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) would submit an application to the court to obtain temporary custody of the two children whose mother was shot by her husband in Kota Tinggi early this month.

According to a Bernama report yesterday, the woman was shot dead by her husband with an air rifle at their home in Taman Saujana, Kota Tinggi on Monday.

Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the 43-year-old suspect allegedly shot his wife when she was sleeping and then wrapped the victim in a blanket before placing the body in a water drum.

The body was then taken to a farm in Bandar Penawar, about 10 kilometres away from the house and buried.