Ministry backs nationwide marriage age reform, says states hold final authority

THE push to establish 18 as the minimum legal marriage age nationwide has received renewed backing from the federal government, with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry expressing support for the reform while emphasising that the ultimate decision lies with state authorities.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the issue remains a significant concern for the government, particularly in relation to the protection of children and their future opportunities. However, she stressed that marriage legislation falls under state jurisdiction, limiting the federal government's ability to impose uniform reforms across the country.

“This is an issue that concerns us. However, marriage laws are under the authority of the states,” she said.

“We can raise our concerns and engage with state governments, but the final decision rests with them,” she told reporters after launching the Office of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS) and the e-TAGS system.

Her remarks come amid renewed calls for nationwide legal harmonisation following proposals by child rights advocates to strengthen protections against underage marriage.

Nancy noted that only a limited number of states have amended their legislation to establish 18 as the minimum marriage age for Muslims, highlighting the uneven pace of reform across the federation.

“We hope more states will take similar steps so that there can eventually be greater harmonisation, but marriage remains a matter under state jurisdiction,” she said.

The latest discussion follows a proposal by the children’s commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, who called for a uniform minimum marriage age of 18 for Muslims throughout the country.

Under her proposal, marriages involving minors aged 16 and 17 would only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and subject to judicial approval, ensuring stricter oversight and safeguards.

Dr Farah Nini argued that such reforms are necessary to protect children's rights, educational opportunities and health outcomes, while maintaining a legal pathway for exceptional cases where marriage may be deemed appropriate by the courts.

The debate over child marriage has remained a recurring policy issue in Malaysia, with advocates arguing that a standardised minimum age would strengthen child protection measures and reduce disparities between states.

At present, Selangor and Kedah are the only states that have formally established 18 as the minimum marriage age for Muslims, placing them at the forefront of efforts to align marriage laws with broader child welfare and human rights objectives.

The issue is expected to remain a key focus of discussions between federal and state authorities as policymakers seek greater consistency in legal protections for children while respecting constitutional divisions of power. - June 11, 2026