IPOH: The Perak government is considering raising the minimum age for marriages in the state, says Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and non-governmental organisation committee chairman Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin.

       She said that the move is being considered as a way to address child marriages, and added that the government would be holding discussions on the matter with several relevant agencies.

       The agencies include the state Islamic Religious, Judiciary, and Education departments among others.

       “Underage marriages not only need to be addressed via legislative moves; we need to look into the aspects of advocacy, education, health, family institutions as well as socio-economic support,” she said in her winding-up speech during the state assembly sitting on Wednesday (March 30).

       Dr Wan Norashikin said that six factors contributing to child marriages have been identified, including the current law allowing such unions.

       The other factors include poverty, a lack of education in sexual reproductive health, parenting skills, and access to education.

       She said the minimum marriage age for Muslims in Perak is 18 for men and 16 for women under the Islamic Family Enactment, adding that there is some leeway in certain circumstances if the applicant obtains permission from a Syariah Court judge.

       For non-Muslims, Dr Wan said that they are subject to the provisions in the Law Reform Act (Marriage and Divorce) 1976.

       “Everyone from leaders to the grassroots must be concerned and support the government’s effort to tackle underage marriage, for the better future of the children,” she added.