PETALING JAYA: A Suhakam commissioner has voiced concern over a viral video that appears to normalise child marriages on religious grounds, saying the interests and wellbeing of children must come first.
Suhakam children's commissioner Al Adib Samuri pointed out that, in 2014, the national fatwa council found that most child marriages in Malaysia did not take place for the benefit of the children involved.
Rather, he said, they were aimed at covering up "mistakes" or the "shame" of families involved, Harian Metro reported.
"In fact, some use child marriages to cover up sexual offences against children," he was quoted as saying.
Adib, who lectures at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Islamic studies faculty, said having the blessing of a child's parents does not guarantee that the minor understands what it means to get married.
"Under the age of 18, they are easily influenced by family pressure, feelings of fear or shame, as well as the promise of an easier life.
"When the husband is far older, the girl will have a harder time speaking up," he said, adding that Islam prioritises the wellbeing of children.
This follows a viral TikTok video posted by a man who claimed to have married a 15-year-old recently, resulting in negative reactions from netizens who questioned the girl's maturity and ability to agree to marriage.
Some also raised concerns about the risk of children being exploited or groomed before marriage.
Adib urged Malaysia to emulate Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Morocco and only allow those aged 18 and above to get married.
The children's commissioner pointed out that these countries bar those under 18 or 19 from marrying, although the courts allow child marriages in certain circumstances.
"Malaysia can take the same approach, with the shariah courts given discretion to allow it in some cases," he said.
"Marriage is a sacred institution in Islam, so we want to ensure it's built upon genuine readiness (to marry), rather than serving as a shortcut to cover up problems."