Kuala lumpur: Unregistered marriages can have serious implications on children's rights and family welfare, including difficulties in obtaining birth certificates, accessing education and healthcare, as well as inheritance matters, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli highlighted that certain couples have been living together as husband and wife for decades without officially registering their marriages. Some have married outside their area or through unauthorised marriage registrars, failing to comply with the procedures stipulated under the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 (Act 303).
Dr Zulkifli remarked that the consequences of not registering marriages or delaying the process are significant and expansive. He emphasized that children are among the most affected, facing complications in obtaining birth certificates and difficulties in accessing education and healthcare, along with issues related to identity and citizenship.
The absence of official marriage registration could cast doubt on a child's lineage, causing potential difficulties for wives in claiming maintenance (nafkah) or 'mutaah.' Inheritance and 'faraid' matters can become complex and may trigger family disputes when a death occurs.
The department, alongside religious agencies and strategic partners, is proactively addressing outstanding marriage registration and verification issues among residents. The aim is not to find fault or punish, but to assist, facilitate, and resolve these issues comprehensively for the future of families and children.
Dr Zulkifli urged individuals with unresolved marriage registration issues or doubts about marriage laws to seek assistance from officers available at interactive counters during the programme, assuring them to not feel ashamed or afraid.
He stressed the importance of marriage registration to ensure official recognition of a union, thus safeguarding the rights and interests of spouses and children. Compliance with syariah law should be seen as a protective measure to prevent disputes and secure the future of families.
The programme, organized by the Federal Territories Syariah Prosecution Department, involves cooperation from various agencies, including the Labuan Member of Parliament's Office, Federal Territories Syariah Court, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), Legal Aid Department, Federal Territories Mufti Department, Tabung Haji, and Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YAPEIM).