Syariah Dept moves to seize bank assets of fathers who fail to pay child maintenance

THE government is moving towards enabling the seizure of bank accounts belonging to delinquent former husbands who fail to fulfil maintenance obligations for their children and ex-wives, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar told Parliament today.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said the Family Support Division (BSK) under the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia has begun discussions with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to implement the measure through Syariah Court orders.

“This will be carried out by the BSK, and discussions have already been held with Bank Negara,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN–Jerlun), who asked about mechanisms being developed by the government and BNM to monitor enforcement of account restrictions against ex-husbands or fathers who default on maintenance payments.

Mohd Na’im said the government is also strengthening enforcement measures through various legal avenues to ensure compliance with Syariah Court rulings.

He added that BSK is enhancing awareness among family members who are legally responsible for supporting children — not only fathers but also other eligible relatives as outlined in Islamic law.

Enforcement efforts are also being bolstered through cooperation with key agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and National Registration Department (JPN) to trace employers and the current addresses of defaulters.

“Through multi-pronged measures such as advance maintenance payments, non-recoverable assistance, transit facilities and strict enforcement against defaulters, we aim to safeguard the welfare of recipients,” he said.

“These long-term steps will not only ensure the sustainability of BSK’s services but also strengthen the Syariah justice system to protect the rights of women, children and the well-being of Muslim families,” he added. - October 23, 2025