Marriage is an important milestone in a person’s life. It marks the start of a new chapter of adulthood and symbolizes a union between two individuals. In Malaysia, the legal age to get married is 18 years old for both males and females. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. In this article, we will take a look at the youngest age to get married in Malaysia and the provisions for underage marriage.
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Legal Age for Marriage in Malaysia
The legal age for marriage in Malaysia is stipulated in the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (LRA). This Act states that a person must be at least 18 years old to legally enter into marriage. However, Section 10 of the LRA allows for exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances.
Exceptions to the Legal Age for Marriage
The exceptions to the legal age for marriage in Malaysia are as follows:
1. Application for Special Marriage License
Parents or guardians of an individual who is under the age of 18 may apply to the Registrar of Marriages for a Special Marriage License. The application must be supported by a written statement from the parents or guardians, as well as a written statement from the individual themselves. The Registrar of Marriages will then decide whether or not to grant the application.
2. Judicial Approval
In cases where a Special Marriage License is not issued, the parents or guardians of an individual who is under the age of 18 may apply for judicial approval for the marriage. The application must be made to the High Court and will be heard by the Court in open court. The Court will then decide whether or not to grant the application.
3. Conversion to Islam
In cases where an individual aged between 16 and 18 has converted to Islam, they may enter into marriage upon obtaining approval from the Syariah Court. The approval must be obtained by the individual’s parents or guardians, as well as the individual themselves.
Consequences of Underage Marriage
Underage marriage can have serious consequences, both for the individuals involved and for society as a whole. Some of the potential consequences of underage marriage include:
1. Legal Implications
Individuals who are married before the legal age of 18 may face legal repercussions. In some cases, the marriage may be declared invalid or void by the court. This can lead to a variety of legal issues, such as the division of assets and child custody.
2. Health Implications
Underage marriage can have serious health implications, particularly for adolescent girls. The physical and emotional changes that come with puberty can be difficult to cope with, and these can be exacerbated by the pressures of marriage. Pregnant teenagers are also at risk of serious health complications, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, anaemia and low birth weight.
3. Educational Implications
Underage marriage can also have an impact on educational outcomes. Adolescents who are married are more likely to drop out of school and are less likely to complete their education. This can have long-term implications for their economic prospects and quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal age for marriage in Malaysia is 18 years old for both males and females. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule which allow for individuals under the age of 18 to enter into marriage. It is important to note that underage marriage can have serious consequences, both for the individuals involved and for society as a whole. It is therefore important that individuals and parents are aware of the risks associated with underage marriage before making any decisions.