Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
Parliamentary Matters

Appeals on Muslim divorces received by the Appeal Board

Sectors

Community

5 October 2020

Response to parliamentary question on appeals on Muslim divorce cases received by the Appeal Board from 2017 to 2019

Question

Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) from 2017 to 2019, what is the annual number of appeals received by the MUIS Appeal Board regarding judgments issued by the Syariah Court of Singapore for divorce cases; (b) what are the main reasons for the appeals; and (c) how many cases are reported by ex-husbands and ex-wives respectively.

Response

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs & Minister for Social and Family Development:

  1. Between 2017 and 2019, a total of 70 appeals against the Syariah Court (SYC) decisions on divorces were made to the Muis Appeal Board. There were 26 appeals in 2017, 20 appeals in 2018, and 24 appeals in 2019.

  2. The most common reasons for appeal were on the division of matrimonial assets, and disputes regarding monetary orders made by the SYC, such as the quantum of nafkah iddah and muta'ah award to wives.

  3. During this 3-year period, there was a roughly equal number of male and female appellants.