SWWS to hold dialogues on age of marriage among Sarawak natives

KUCHING: A courtesy call was made to Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah by the Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) to brief the minister on SWWS’ forthcoming series of dialogues with Sarawak native leaders, women and youth to discuss contemporary views on when it is appropriate for young people from their communities to marry.

Within native tradition, ages were not recorded so it is not surprising that the different native adat (custom) do not specify any age by which young people are allowed to marry.

“Instead, elders used their wisdom, with some adat specifying that the young people should be able to fulfil expectations of a married couple, for instance to be able to provide for a family,” it said through a statement, Friday (Sept 13).

Society however has changed and now the norm is to encourage young people to remain in education to Form 5 and beyond so they can reach their potential and find employment which protects them and their future children from poverty.

“These changes have led to consideration of raising the age of marriage under civil law to 18, from the existing provision when some younger marriages are allowed with parental or State permission,” it said.

“Civil law is only one of the legal systems relevant to Sarawak. There is also Syariah law and numerous Native Customary laws, with Native Law not being well understood beyond Sarawak when the laws in Malaysia are being discussed,

“By working closely with key native stakeholders, SWWS will compile a report on current views within the varied communities regarding the age of marriage to deepen understanding on this issue and possible ways of addressing,” it said.

The series of roundtables and workshops will begin next month by engaging with the Bidayuh community.

“Subsequently dialogue sessions, this year and next will be held in Sri Aman, Kapit, Miri, Long Lama and Lawas with the report presented and disseminated early in 2026. The project has been funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives,” it said.

Those wishing to know more about the project are welcome to contact SWWS at [email protected] or text 013804 4285.