PUTRAJAYA has no plans to ban underage marriages for now, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the minister, however, reiterated that she was against such unions and would address the issue through education, advocacy, strengthening the family institution and socioeconomic support in the community.
“There are different aspects that needs to be addressed in curbing child marriages, aaprt from amending legal provisions.
“Hence, the Government has plans to ban underage marriages for now. However, we remain committed to curbing underage marriages by implementing the National Strategic Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriages,” she said, in a written reply at the Dewan Rakyat to Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.
During the Pakatan Harapan administration, Rina’s predecessor, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her deputy Hannah Yeoh attempted to get all states to ban such unions citing various health and social risk to those who go through child marriages.
However, the duo met with heavy resistance from certain states.
On that note, Rina said her ministry had formed a steering committee to monitor the implementation and development of the programmes planned to curb child marriages.
On consultation with state Islamic departments in regards to curb child marriages, Rina told Nurul that her feedback has been taken up and the Government would discuss it with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Syariah judiciary department.
“I urge all stakeholders, whether at the federal or state government levels, to address the issue and to support the Government’s effort to manage underage marriages to safeguard our children’s future,” she mentioned. – March 22, 2022
