KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 – Between 2019 and 2023, the number of child marriages recorded by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has shown a declining trend, according to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM).
In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, KPWKM minister Nancy Shukri said that 1,467 child marriage cases were recorded in 2019, followed by 1,354 cases in 2020, 1,086 cases in 2021, 1,035 cases in 2022 and 923 cases in 2023.
This indicates a 37 per cent decline over the five-year period.
Nancy was responding to a question from Kuala Langat MP Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who asked for the latest five-year statistics on child marriages.
He also wanted to know if the government plans to review the minimum age of marriage for all laws – civil, sharia, and customary.
“KPWKM is committed to addressing the causes of child marriage through implementation of programmes and actions under the National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage,” said Nancy.
She added that her ministry is continuously trying to improve social awareness and understanding through various platforms and mechanisms such as mass media, social media, consultation, and advocacy so that society, especially parents, are more aware of the need to preserve children’s rights.
“For example, the KASIH Kanak-Kanak advocacy programme by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), among other things, addresses children’s rights and the responsibilities of people around them.”
She added that through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the ministry implements initiatives to empower reproductive and social education involving the younger generation through programmes like Reproductive Health and Social Education (PEKERTI), the Sexual Education Reproductive Initiative (SERI), and KafeTEEN.
“Understanding that Malaysia consists of a multiracial society with different customs, cultures and religions, consultations and engagement sessions with child experts, cultural experts and sharia experts will continue to take place,” Nancy said.
“This is to ensure that the views of all parties are taken into account, particularly in setting the minimum age limit for marriage.
“At the same time, it must be understood that this issue falls under separate jurisdictions including the federal government, state government and customary laws.
Nancy concluded by saying that KPWKM will always support proposals to further tighten procedures for child marriage to protect children.
