GEORGE TOWN: All 18 couples who were told at the eleventh hour to postpone their plans to tie the knot last week due to a shortage of marriage certificates, have finally wed.

       Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society secretary Choong Yit Chuan said the couples managed to solemnise their marriage after the certificates were obtained in the nick of time – just before the weekend.

       “Initially, we had received appointments from 11 couples for marriage registration on Saturday and 12 couples on Sunday.

       “At about 2pm on Friday, after failing to obtain their certificates from the state National Registration Department (JPN), we notified the couples that their registrations would have to be postponed.

       “Fortunately, after a press conference held to explain the matter and negotiations with JPN, we obtained the certificates four hours later on the same day.

       “The affected couples agreed to resume their appointments over the weekend,” said Choong.

       Choong thanked JPN for its assistance in rectifying the matter.

       “We are glad the matter has been solved amicably,” he said.

       On Friday, it was reported that 18 out of 23 couples who made appointments to register their marriage at the society had to postpone the event as there was a shortage of certificates.