Bizarre ruling stops loved ones from witnessing marriage ceremony even as cinemas reopen

A social distancing rule at the Registrar of Marriages in Kuala Lumpur could mean parents from both sides will be prevented from witnessing their children’s marriage ceremony.

KUALA LUMPUR: The families of a couple due to get married are heartbroken over a bizarre ruling prohibiting the parents of the bride and groom from being present during their children’s civil ceremony at the Registrar of Marriages here next month.

They were told that the ruling was in compliance with Covid-19 social distancing measures, even as authorities relax restrictions on crowd-intensive businesses with the reopening of cinemas, theatres, and enclosed events.

“It is hurtful that we are not able to have the nuclear family present,” the bride, who wished to remain anonymous, told FMT.

“Everyone is heartbroken. We hoped close family members could witness the wedding.”

They have been informed by the Registrar of Marriages that only three others – two witnesses and a photographer – can accompany them in the hall on July 1.

This means they can choose only one parent from each side to witness the ceremony.

The father of the bride described the ruling as “irregular and against the love of family”, questioning why 250 people not related to each other could be allowed to converge in cinema halls.

Yesterday, Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that cinemas, theatres and live event spaces could reopen from July 1, with up to 250 people allowed subject to the size of the area.

When contacted, the Registrar of Marriages in Kuala Lumpur confirmed the ruling, saying it would remain indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the bride’s sister criticised the ruling as illogical, saying family members had spent months living together under the movement control order (MCO).

“The SOP lacks rationality,” she said.

Another family member said the hall at the registry was big enough to accommodate 20 people even with social distancing measures.

He also asked why the registrar only allowed such ceremonies on two days of the week, Monday and Wednesday, while questioning the late notification of the time of registration, just one week before the event.

The father of the bride said moving the ceremony to a temple could have been an option but for the fact that most houses of worship are still closed.

“Most temples will not conduct a registration unless the religious ceremony is done at the same time,” he said. - FMT