KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in charge of Islamic affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa has reminded shariah court judges handling underage marriages to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) approved at the Shariah Judge’s Conference two months ago.
He said the guidelines were issued following the marriage of an 11-year-old girl to a 41-year-old man in Gua Musang, Kelantan, in June.
“The main objective was to tighten existing procedures in relation to underage marriages, but to date only Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur are following the guidelines.
“The marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Tumpat, Kelantan, recently occurred as the assigned judge did not follow the approved SOP,” he told the media after officiating a Maal Hijrah 1440H celebration here yesterday.
Mujahid said according to the procedures set out in the guidelines, parents were required to register marriage applications for minors. Family backgrounds checks were also required, including psychological and health assessments.
“Only then can the shariah judge make a decision. But the guidelines clearly state that poverty cannot be used as an excuse to allow an underage marriage,” he said.
“We are also considering setting the age limit at 18 years for both men and women in granting permission for underage marriages.” -FMT
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