Mujahid said the guidelines were issued following an 11-year-old girl’s marriage to a 41-year-old man in Gua Musang, Kelantan in June. — Picture by Azinuddin Ghazali

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Shariah court judges handling underage marriages are reminded to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) which have been approved at the Shariah Judges’ Conference two months ago.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the guidelines to be used as reference for Shariah judges, were issued following an 11-year-old girl’s marriage to a 41-year-old man in Gua Musang, Kelantan in June.

“The main objective was to tighten existing procedures in relation to underage marriages but to date, only Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur are following the guidelines.

“The marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Tumpat, Kelantan recently occurred as the assigned judge did not follow the approved SOP,” he told the media after officiating a Maal Hijrah 1440H celebration here today.

According to Mujahid among the procedures set out were, parents need to register the marriage application for minors, apart from making family background checks including psychological and health assessments.

“Only then can the Shariah judge make a decision but the guidelines clearly state that poverty cannot be used as an excuse to allow an underage marriage,” said Mujahid.

“We are also considering on setting the age limit at 18 years for both men and women in granting permission for underage marriage,” he said.

Recently, a 15-year-old girl reportedly married a 44-year-old People’s Volunteer Corp (Rela) member, which was the second case after the underage marriage in Gua Musang last June.

Earlier, Mujahid presented the Federal Territory Ma’al Hijrah award to Malaysian Muslim Scholars Association chairman Datuk Sheikh Abdul Halim Abd Kadir, who was also the former mufti of Terengganu.

He received RM5,000, a trophy and certificate of appreciation. — Bernama