What action is the government taking on child marriages?

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Government Formulating Solution to Standardise Minimum Marriage Age at 18

The government is developing a comprehensive approach to prevent child marriages by establishing a uniform minimum marriage age of 18 across all legal jurisdictions. This initiative will necessitate amendments to several key pieces of legislation, including those governing Islamic family law and civil marriage, while also incorporating consultations with various expert groups.
Legislative Amendments Underway

The proposed solution involves a significant legislative overhaul to ensure consistency in the minimum marriage age. This will include amending the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territory) Act 1984, the Islamic Family Ordinance Laws applicable in each state, and the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976. Furthermore, the customary laws pertaining to Pribumi communities in Sarawak will also be reviewed and potentially amended as part of this process.
Expert Consultations Planned

To ensure a well-informed and effective policy, the government plans to engage with a diverse range of specialists. This consultative process will include seeking input from experts in child psychology, who can provide insights into the developmental needs and well-being of minors. Additionally, consultations will extend to cultural experts to understand the societal nuances surrounding marriage practices, and Shariah law experts to ensure alignment with Islamic jurisprudence.
Addressing a Significant Number of Applications

This government action comes in response to a substantial number of applications for marriages involving minors. Between 2013 and 2017, authorities received nearly 8,000 such applications. Specifically, the Department of Syariah Judiciary recorded 5,362 applications from Muslims, while the National Registration Department documented 2,367 applications from non-Muslims during this four-year period. These figures represent applications submitted, not necessarily those approved.

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