Why are seven Malaysian states opposing a higher marriage age for children?

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Seven Malaysian States Have Objected to Raising the Marriageable Age for Children

Sisters in Islam (SIS), a Muslim women's rights advocacy group, has expressed concern over the continued delay in amending laws to end child marriage in Malaysia, stating that this inaction comes at the expense of hundreds of children. While efforts to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 are underway, seven states have reportedly objected to this proposed increase. These states are Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu, Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, and Kelantan.
Objections Raised by Seven States

SIS has indicated that seven Malaysian states have voiced opposition to increasing the marriageable age for children. These states are Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu, Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, and Kelantan. The advocacy group has called on these states to provide explanations to the public for their stance, suggesting that their continued insistence on child marriage compromises the future well-being of children.
Concerns Over Continued Delay

The advocacy group highlighted that the ongoing delay in amending laws to prohibit child marriage results in hundreds of children remaining vulnerable to its detrimental effects. SIS believes that child marriage perpetuates poverty and is counterproductive to the health and intellectual development of young individuals, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The group views the continued practice as a significant detriment to the country's progress.
International Examples and Legal Loopholes

SIS pointed to international precedents, such as a fatwa issued by al-Azhar University against child marriage and Indonesia's recent ban on the practice by raising the marriageable age to 19. They noted that other Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, Iraq, and Jordan, have also banned child marriage. Furthermore, SIS mentioned that while applications for marriage involving minors under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 have been tightened, existing standard operating procedures still contain loopholes that are susceptible to abuse.

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Why are seven Malaysian states opposing a higher marriage age for children?

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