KOTA BARU: 533 underaged married couples were recorded in Kelantan in the past four years, says state Islamic development, dakwah, information and regional relations committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud.
The state government had retained the age of marriage without amendment at 18 years old for boys and age 16 for girls.
“So far, only 13 applications were rejected due to certain factors. The approach of underage marriage is reasonable under the provision of Section 8 of the Kelantan Islamic Family Enactment 2002,” he said in reply to a question by Zubir Abu Bakar (PAS-Mengkebang) at the state assembly at Kota Darulnaim Complex here yesterday.
He said the effects of underage marriage should be assessed from aspects of the couple’s willingness and readiness to start a family.
The question of ability is closely related to the support and initial preparation by parents, maturity in decision making, and their parenting ability, he added.
“The meeting of Syarie judges decided to consider a minimum standard operating procedure (SOP) by the Kelantan Syariah Judiciary Department, considering Kelantan’s location bordering Thailand makes solemnisation there very easy, something we wish to avoid occurring without the consent of their guardians.
“Till today, all underage marriage application approvals require the consent of the Syariah Court beforehand,” said Mohd Asri. – Bernama
