The legal minimum marriage age in Malaysia is 18. However, for Muslims girls, it is 16, while those below 16 can marry after obtaining consent from the shariah court.

Isma President Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman said while Islamic jurisprudence did not prohibit child marriages, 16-years-old girls were too young to cope with a married life, including providing for their children’s education and wellbeing.

“At that age, they won’t be able to secure a steady job,” he told FMT when contacted.

Two days ago, Pasir Puteh lawmaker Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad said child marriages would put a stop to rampant premarital sex among teenagers, arguing that Malaysia had teens below 16 “who want to have sex”.

Abdullah Zaik was also concerned that a lot of socio-economic problems would emerge if child marriages were allowed.

It was better, he argued, if the government improved the quality of education and increased the awareness among parents so they could educate their young about avoiding any forms of vice.