533 Underage Marriages Involving 16yo to 18yo Registered in Kelantan Since 2019, Says State ExCo

During a session at the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) recently, shocking information regarding child marriage was revealed. 

Mohd Asri Mat Daud, the Kelantan State Executive Councillor for Islamic Development, Preaching, Information, and Relationship revealed that a total of 533 marriages involving underage couples were recorded in Kelantan in the span of 4 years, since 2019.

“Out of these applications, 533 were granted approval, while only 13 were rejected. A total of 546 underage couples applied for marriage. This is a good achievement.”

According to him, the state government takes a reasonable approach as provided in Section 8 of the Kelantan Islamic Family Enactment 2002, in accordance with the provisions of the law and Syariah law and taking into account the benefits of underage couples who are about to get married.

“The benefits of marriage for underage couples will be assessed through comprehensive research that includes aspects of the couple’s willingness and readiness to establish a household.”

The readiness includes their ability and others, such as,

• emotional
• physical
• sexual
• social
• spiritual
• health
• education

For illustration purposes only

Additionally, Asri said the Syarie Judges’ Meeting had made a decision to consider the minimal standard operating procedure (SOP) for underage marriage.

“This is to prevent marriages taking place in Thailand, without the permission of the guardian. All applications for permission to marry minors must obtain permission from the Syariah Court first” Asri explained.

Asri explained that prior to a marriage contract, the application must be taken to the Syariah Court and only the Syariah judge has the authority to approve the application through a hearing session in a closed chamber. The hearing will involve the testimony of the minor applicant, the applicant’s parents, witnesses, and the local imam or Assistant Registrar of Divorce Marriage Refer.

What do you think of the underage marriage data?

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