While underage marriage is largely outlawed in most countries, it’s still being practiced in certain parts of the world, including Malaysia.
Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar has recently revealed a troubling truth about underage marriages in the country, where one state took the top spot in this aspect.
193 cases of underage marriages recorded in Kelantan
In a written response to a question posed by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid in the Dewan Rakyat, Na’im said a total of 881 underage marriages have been recorded since 2022 until 2024, which included 518 teenage girls, reported Berita Harian.
Out of these 881 marriages, Kelantan took the top spot with 193 registered marriages, followed by Selangor (133), Terengganu (115), Kedah (126), Johor (73), Sabah (63), Pahang (51), Perlis (39), Negeri Sembilan (38), the Federal Territories (27), Melaka (19), and Penang (4).
Na’im added that the Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM) has since outlined a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for underage marriage applications to ensure it’s done lawfully.
“This SOP places significant emphasis on and prioritises the welfare of children who wish to marry, requiring the Syariah Court to conduct a thorough and comprehensive evaluation based on the SOP before granting permission for a marriage below the minimum age.” he added.
Under Section 8 of the Islamic Family Law Act (Federal Territories) 1984, the legal age for marriage is 18 for males and 16 for females.
Mohd Naim said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Chief Registrar of the State Syariah Judiciary Department (KPJKSN), and the State Syariah Court (MSN) have also come up with a model in managing underage marriages, which has been implemented in Selangor and the Federal Territories.
“In addition, JAKIM is also collaborating with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) in implementing the National Strategic Plan to address the causes of underage marriages,” he added.
Aside from child marriages, Kelantan is also grappling with high drug abuse rates too:
