KUALA LUMPUR: Addressing the issue of child marriage remains a challenge as it falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, said Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri
She said that while progress has been made, achieving nationwide reforms requires greater cooperation and commitment from state authorities.
"We have been discussing it, but child marriage laws are under state jurisdiction."
She was responding to a news report in which a women's rights group called on the government to take action against child marriages.
Sisters in Islam said there was an inconsistency in the legal system, which sets the minimum age of marriage for non-Muslims at 18, Muslim men at 18 and Muslim women at 16.
Further allowances are given for those younger than 16 if a chief minister or a syariah judge approves the marriage.
The rights group urged the government to standardise the marriage age at 18 in all states and for all Malaysians.
Nancy said Kedah and Selangor have amended their laws to raise the minimum marriage age.
"However, the extent to which these changes are implemented is another question.
"We've had informal discussions with state leaders, and while no one supports child marriage in principle, cultural and local practices often complicate progress. Nevertheless, we will not give up."
Nancy added that the government will support teenage mothers, ensuring they have access to education despite societal stigma.