Penang to consult stakeholders on raising Muslim marriage age to 18

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president, said the sessions would be held to gather views and assess whether the proposed change could be implemented in the state. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 6:13 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 12 — The Penang government will hold engagement sessions to explore the possibility of raising the minimum age for Muslims to marry to 18, following similar moves by Selangor and Kedah.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president, said the sessions would be held to gather views and assess whether the proposed change could be implemented in the state.

“So far, no discussions have been held on the proposal. We may first organise engagement sessions to explore whether it can be implemented in Penang.

“The sessions will also involve the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry before any decision is made or further developments are announced,” he told reporters here today.

Mohamad was speaking after witnessing the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Penang Islamic Foundation (YIPP) and Idrissi International School. Also present were YIPP chief executive Dr Mohamad Sofee Razak and Idrissi founder Zaliza Alias.

Mohamad said the minimum age for Muslims to marry in Penang remained 16.

He said the state government would gather information and views from the relevant parties through the engagement sessions before considering its next course of action.

He was responding to reports that only Selangor and Kedah had amended their respective laws to raise the minimum marriage age for Muslims to 18, while other states were still subject to their own deliberations and legislative processes.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri was previously reported as saying that the government, through her ministry, would continue efforts to gradually standardise the minimum marriage age at 18 nationwide in close cooperation with state governments.

She said the effort would require engagement with state religious authorities, relevant agencies and stakeholders, as Islamic family law falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. — Bernama