MB: Perak recognises Muslim marriages conducted abroad only if registered with state Islamic department
IPOH, Jan 18 — The Perak government only recognises the marriage of local Muslim couples conducted abroad if registered with the Perak Islamic Religious Department, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohammad.
However, Saarani said the couples must ensure the marriage was done rightfully and legally abroad in order to register it with the state religious department.
“The couples can get married overseas, but they must return to the state to register their marriage with the Perak Islamic Religious Department.
“If the marriage is valid, then they can register. But of course, there will be a fine,” he told a press conference after attending the Program Teduhan Kasih Anak-Anak Perak at the banquet hall of the Perak Daruk Ridzuan Building here.
Meanwhile, Perak Islamic Religious Department director Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim said the fine imposed for overseas marriage is decided by the Shariah Court.
“It depends on the Shariah Court. The maximum fine is likely to be around RM5,000,” he said.
Harith also explained that a marriage conducted abroad will be recognised as valid if the Shariah Court decides that the marriage was conducted rightfully.
When asked what will happen to the children of the couple, who married overseas, Harith said that if their marriage was registered in the state, then there would be no issue obtaining a birth certificate from the state government.
