Selangor Sultan decrees legal marrying age for Muslims in the state raised to 18

SHAH ALAM: The permissible age for Muslims to marry in Selangor will be revised from 16 to 18.

Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he had instructed the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to look at the existing Islamic laws in the state to propose the necessary changes.

“Following this, Mais and Jais have presented to me information on the proposal to amend the existing laws.

“I am in agreement with the suggestion to streamline the minimum age of marriage for Muslim males and females in Selangor from 16 to 18,” said Sultan Sharafuddin in his royal address at the opening of the second session of the14th Selangor Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday (Sept 3).

The Ruler said several other provisions also have to be amended in order to improve the consent procedure and process with regard to underage marriages at the Syariah Courts.

He added several new conditions must be imposed for parents and relevant parties to be adhered to, such as obtaining records pertaining to the mental and physical health, fertility, characteristics and sociology of those intending to marry.

In addition to this, Sultan Sharafuddin said that there must also be consent from the couple, who should not be forced into marriage to prevent any untoward problems.

Sultan Sharafuddin said several provisions in the state's Islamic family laws and Syariah Court practices will be proposed for amendment for this purpose.

“I hope both proposals to amend the laws will be tabled in this state legislative assembly meeting,” said the Ruler.

Earlier in his speech, Sultan Sharafuddin said he viewed seriously underage marriages, such as a recent case involving the marriage of young Muslim girl.

“I view such cases seriously because of the serious negative impact on the couple's future as well as its implication on society,” he said.

On another matter, Sultan Sharafuddin also congratulated former mentri besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali who is now the nation's Economic Affairs Minister.

“I have faith and hope for Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali to always continue serving and carrying out his duties with full commitment for the sake of the people and nation,” he added.

The Ruler also advised all assemblymen to cooperate with the state executive council helmed by current Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari.