Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia to strengthen shariah law enforcement on unpaid spousal maintenance
The government is planning amendments to Islamic family law to improve enforcement against those who fail to pay nafkah, or spousal and child support, despite court orders. Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Marhamah Rosli said the changes would make it easier for authorities to act against defaulters.
LSN Malaysia ·
Malaysia's religious affairs ministry is moving to tighten shariah law provisions governing the payment of nafkah, the Islamic obligation for husbands to financially support their wives and children. The planned amendments are aimed at addressing persistent cases where individuals ignore court orders requiring them to meet these support obligations. Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Marhamah Rosli announced that the proposed changes would streamline enforcement procedures, enabling faster and more effective action against those who fail to comply with maintenance court rulings. The move reflects growing concern over the number of maintenance cases left unpaid despite legal intervention, placing financial strain on divorced or separated women and their dependents across the country. Details on the specific amendments and their implementation timeline are expected to be announced following further discussions within the religious affairs ministry and consultation with relevant stakeholders in Malaysia's shariah law framework.