No plans to ban child marriage, says Rina

SHAH ALAM - The government has no plans to ban child marriage, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun.

However, she said the government remains committed to curbing such unions from happening by implementing programme under the National Strategic Plan for Addressing the Causes of Underage Marriage.

Rina, who is Titiwangsa MP, said there were two different aspects that needed to be addressed in curbing child marriages aside from amending legal provisions.

“Child marriage must not only be tackled through legislative change but also through education, advocacy, health, strengthening family institutions and socioeconomic support.

“At the same time, a steering committee has been formed to monitor the implementation and development of the programmes that have been planned,” she said.

Rina, in a written reply, was responding to a question from Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH) today.

Nurul Izzah had asked about the status of the plan to ban child marriages to curb child exploitation and if Rina’s ministry would hold discussions with the various state Islamic religious authorities since the legal age to marry was under their purview.

To Nurul Izzah’s second question, Rina said Putrajaya would discuss her suggestion with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and shariah judiciary department.