Sarawak sets minimum marriage at 18 amid teen pregnancy concerns

KUCHING (Feb 2): The state government has fixed the minimum age of marriage at 18 as part of ongoing efforts to curb early marriages and teenage pregnancies, while safeguarding the health, welfare and future of young people.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the government remains committed to ensuring that all policies and approaches prioritise the safety, well-being and long-term prospect of the younger generation.

“When teenagers are no longer in school and remain in the community without clear direction, parents often become worried.

“Some are unable to work because they are still underage, and eventually, what happens is that they wait to be proposed to and marry at a young age,” she was speaking to reporters after chairing the One Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee (OSTPC) meeting at Wisma Wanita here on Monday.

Fatimah explained that early marriage carries significant risks, particularly in terms of reproductive health.

“Biologically, a teenage girl’s body is not yet fully prepared for pregnancy and childbirth. Mentally and emotionally, they are also not ready to shoulder the responsibilities of motherhood,” she said.

Fatimah noted that the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) had previously proposed standardising the minimum age of marriage at 18 across the state.

She pointed out that Sarawak operates under three marriage legal systems―civil, Syariah and customary.

Under civil law for non-Muslims, the minimum age of marriage is set at 18.

However, marriages below the stipulated age require approval from the resident of the respective division, following delegated authority from the Chief Minister.

“Marriage below the age of 16 is strongly discouraged, and each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.

“There are ongoing discussions to further improve and standardise the minimum age under civil law,” she said.

Fatimah added that the Bidayuh community has agreed to set the minimum age at 18, while discussions with other communities are still ongoing.

“If parties still intend to marry below the minimum age of 18 years, they must apply for approval from the Resident.

“Meanwhile, under Syariah law, underage marriages are permitted only with the consent of the Syariah Court,” she said.

For customary marriages, Fatimah explained that the minimum age is not expressly stated and is generally subject to the interpretation of being ‘of marriageable age’ according to respective customs and communities.

She stressed that the move is not intended to restrict marriage, but rather to protect children and teenagers from health risks, poverty, school dropouts and social issues.

“We want to find ways to reduce early marriages as well as teenage pregnancies.

“Both are closely related, although there are cases that differ. Our goal is to protect the future of our children,” she said.