LABUAN, Aug 9 — Unregistered marriages can have serious implications on children’s rights and family welfare, including difficulties in obtaining birth certificates, accessing education and healthcare, as well as inheritance matters, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said there were still couples who had been living as husband and wife for decades without registering their marriages, while some had married outside their area or through unauthorised marriage registrars without complying with the procedures stipulated under the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 (Act 303).

“The implications of failing or delaying marriage registration are not a small matter. The effects are significant and far-reaching,” he said when launching the 2026 Federal Territories Syariah Law Literacy Programme at Kompleks Darul Kifayah here today.

Zulkifli said children were among those who could be most affected by unregistered marriages, as the situation could complicate the process of obtaining birth certificates and expose them to difficulties in accessing education and healthcare, as well as issues relating to identity and citizenship.

He said the absence of official marriage registration could also raise doubts regarding the status of a child’s lineage, while wives could face difficulties in claiming maintenance (nafkah) or ‘mutaah’.

“Matters involving inheritance and ‘faraid’ can also become complicated and trigger family disputes when a death occurs,” he said.

Zulkifli said the department, together with religious agencies and strategic partners, was taking a proactive approach to addressing outstanding marriage registration and marriage verification issues among residents.

“We are here not to find fault or punish anyone, but to help, facilitate and resolve these issues comprehensively for the future of families and children,” he said.

He urged those with outstanding marriage registration issues or doubts concerning marriage laws to approach officers at the interactive counters provided during the programme.

“Do not be ashamed and do not be afraid,” he said.

Zulkifli said marriage registration was important to ensure that a union was officially recognised and to safeguard the rights and interests of spouses and children.

He said compliance with syariah law should not be viewed as a burden but as a form of protection that could prevent disputes and safeguard the future of families.

The programme, organised by the Federal Territories Syariah Prosecution Department, involves the cooperation of various agencies, including the Labuan Member of Parliament’s Office, Federal Territories Syariah Court, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi), Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), Legal Aid Department, Federal Territories Mufti Department, Tabung Haji and Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YAPEIM). — Bernama