Malaysian state’s cash handouts for teen weddings triggers backlash
A proposal in Malaysia’s Perak state to pay young people 500 ringgit (US$124) for marrying for the first time has triggered a backlash after officials confirmed the scheme could apply to children as young as 15. Critics say extending the state-funded benefit to minors risks legitimising child marriage, reigniting a fraught debate in Malaysia over laws that still allow some under-18s to wed. The…
A proposal in Malaysia's Perak state to provide 500 ringgit (US$124) for first-time marriages, including those involving minors as young as 15, has sparked controversy. Critics argue that extending the state-funded benefit to minors could legitimize child marriage, reigniting a contentious debate over laws that still permit some under-18 weddings.
Khairudin Abu Hanipah, chairman of Perak's education and youth committee, defended the proposal, stating it was approved unanimously at a youth assembly to help ease financial burdens on young couples. However, rights groups and politicians condemn the inclusion of 15, 16, and 17-year-olds, warning that such incentives risk normalizing child marriage and disregarding Malaysia's minimum marriage age of 18 for Muslims and 16 for non-Muslims.
The proposal has also reignited scrutiny of Perak's record on the issue, with 144 underage marriages recorded in the state in 2022.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
