The daily also reported that a third party responsible for a couple's marriage to break up in the Federal Territories may be liable to a maximum of three years' jail or RM5,000 (S$2,046) fine or both if charged and convicted under several provisions of the Syariah Criminal Act.

Syariah Department director-general Tan Sri Ibrahim Lembut said the strict enforcement of the syariah laws against such culprits was necessary due to the high rate of divorce because of a third party.

"The problem cannot be viewed lightly as the number of divorces is on the rise each year and has passed 222,701 cases since 2001," he said.

In most cases, he said, there were elements of third party involvement, resulting in the break-up of the marriages, which the couples would mention but were not based on evidence.

"From now on, a husband or wife can lodge a report with the department to investigate if they believe that a third party is involved," he added.

He said the provisions under Section 36 to Section 38 covered those who coax a woman to leave her husband, prevent a married couple to live as husband and wife and influence a man or woman to divorce his or her spouse.