Present data and cases to end child marriages

KUCHING: Sarawak’s efforts to increase the minimum legal marriage age to 18 must be supported with solid data and specific cases regarding the consequences of child marriage.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Children’s commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said it would be a long process, especially when it involved or is related with the local tradition or culture.

“But, it is not impossible (to happen). So, we will continue to work together with other organisations and push for it (raising minimum legal marriage age to 18) in Sarawak.

“What we really need now is to gather more relevant data and cases, specifically on the consequences of child marriage in all aspects – to educate the public and relevant parties as well as policy-makers,” she said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Human Rights Festival Sarawak 2023 held at La Promenade Mall here today, Farah said the culture of marrying off girls due unplanned pregnancies or ‘tutup malu’ to retain family reputation was totally unacceptable.

Child marriage, she said, should also never be the reason to prevent ‘maksiat’ or sinful acts as it will not address the root of the problem.

“Very often, we heard about (or been questioned about) – when a pregnancy happens out of wedlock, involving teenagers – does she have a better option apart from getting married?

“But this should never be the argument as we must look into the bigger picture, especially the consequences such as health issues and complications, divorces and poverty, among others.

“Thus, we need data and cases to support our fight in ending child marriage – and for the policy makers to make necessary amendments to the law,” she said.

In 2018, Kedah and Selangor amended the minimum legal marriage age by raising it to 18 for both men and women. Although the Sarawak government showed full support on the proposal on addressing child marriage, the state has yet to increase the legal marriage age for all to 18 years old for both men and women.

For Sarawak’s Syariah law, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old for men and 16 years old for girls but a Syariah Judge is given the power to permit marriage for those younger than 18 and 16 respectively.

Meanwhile, there are no rules put in place for customary marriages.

Also present at the ceremony were SUHAKAM secretary Altaf Deviyati and Purplelily chairperson Suraya Bujang.