Kedah records 10,915 illegitimate children in 6 years

State assembly told these children were born as a result of improper marriage arrangements or rape cases.

ALOR SETAR: A total of 10,915 children with illegitimate status have been recorded by the Kedah National Registration Department (JPN) from 2010 to 2015, the State Legislative Assembly was told.

Kedah Women Development, Agriculture and Agro-based, and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Suraya Yaacob said of the total, 1,553 were recorded in 2010; 1,620 in 2011; 1,932 in 2012; 1,760 in 2013; 1,928 in 2014 and 2,122 in 2015.

Suraya, who is also Sungai Tiang assemblywoman, said 210 other children with illegitimate status were recorded between January and February this year, with Kota Setar having the highest number at 76, followed by Kulim (30) and Kuala Muda (27).

“These illegitimate children were mostly born as a result of rape and improper marriage arrangement cases,” she said in reply to Siti Aisah Ghazali (PAS-Merbau Pulas), who had wanted to know the number of illegitimate children in Kedah.

Suraya explained that cases of improper marriage arrangement in Kedah were mainly due to the fact that the state was bordering Thailand, which made it easier for couples from the state to cross the border and get married.

She said in a bid to reduce problems related to the issue, especially of the illegitimate children, the state government had organised various workshops, through the Kedah Islamic Religious Department and Registration Department and enhanced public awareness on the importance of having proper marriage arrangements.

“Couples, especially the women, who are willing to get married overseas should be aware of the proper procedures.

“They have to ask whether they are going to get the relevant documents from the consulate. They must know their rights and responsibilities.

“And once they have returned to Malaysia, they have to register their marriage legally and keep the document as proof in case something happens,” she said.

– BERNAMA