What new guidelines apply to underage marriage applications in Selangor?

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New Guidelines for Underage Marriage Applications in Selangor

Couples in Selangor under the age of 18 can still apply for marriage, but they must now adhere to a stricter set of guidelines. These new pre-requisites, introduced through amendments to the Islamic Family Law (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 and the Shariah Court Civil Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, aim to ensure greater scrutiny and protection for underage applicants. The legal minimum age for marriage for Muslims in the state has been officially raised from 16 to 18.
Parental or Guardian Application and Affidavit of Support

A key requirement for any marriage application involving individuals under 18 is a formal application submitted by their parents or legal guardians. This application must be accompanied by an affidavit of support, signifying the guardians' consent and commitment to the union. This measure ensures that responsible adults are involved in the decision-making process for underage marriages.
Affidavits on Mental and Physical State and Criminal Convictions

Both male and female applicants seeking to marry before reaching the age of 18 must submit an affidavit detailing their mental and physical readiness for marriage. Furthermore, applicants are now required to declare any prior criminal convictions. These declarations are intended to provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of the applicants' circumstances and backgrounds.
Court Validation and Investigation Powers

The Shariah courts will actively validate the information provided in the affidavits. This involves issuing orders to obtain relevant health, socio-economic, and criminal records to verify the declarations made by the applicants and their guardians. To ensure thoroughness and transparency, the courts are also granted the authority to conduct their own independent investigations and summon witnesses before making a final decision on underage marriage applications. Between 2013 and 2018, 429 applications for underage marriage were made in Selangor, with 355 of these being approved, highlighting the previous lower threshold and approval rate.

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What new guidelines apply to underage marriage applications in Selangor?

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