The issue of child marriage which happened in Kelantan recently has been largely rejected even by ordinary Kelantanese living in the state.

A Malaysiakini straw poll around Kota Bharu found that the majority of respondents disagreed to underage marriage.

Mohd Sakhri Ibrahim, 42, said although underage marriage is permitted in Islam, the approach taken should be in line with current times and consider various aspects.

He said children or youths in Malaysia have the right to enjoy their childhood or adolescence, which would be impossible if they were to be married at a young age. 

"We are no longer living in the 60s or the 70s. Now everyone has a right to go through all stages in life.

"A child's age should be filled with education, be it religious education or other types. It is not right to burden them with the heavy responsibilities of being in a marriage.

"I don't agree with underage marriage and strict laws should be enforced to prevent this from continuing to happen," Mohd Sakhri (photo) told Malaysiakini.

For 33-year-old Hazalina Hamzah, the culture of child marriages must be stopped in Malaysia.

"Marriage is no child's play. I would personally disagree if it happens to my own child. So we should all stop it.

"Every parent surely wants to see their children experience the best development in life," she said.

"They must be given an opportunity to live their lives as children and pursue an education before moving on in life," said the boutique owner (photo).

Similarly, Sabariah Jusoh, 40, also shared the views against child marriage.

"As parents, we want our children to lead meaningful lives.

"Getting married at a very young should be prevented. These situations should not be allowed to carry on," she said.

Against children's rights

According to Khairul Anuar Mat Lazim (photo), 31, child marriages are grossly unfair and violates children's rights. 

"The rights of children should be seeking knowledge, going to school with their peers, and enjoying their childhood without being tied down with heavy responsibilities. 

"We know that children are sometimes too naive to make the right decisions," said the teacher. 

For Yusnizam Jusoh, 24, child marriages should not be taking place in this era.

He urged the government to not compromise on handling the issue. 

"I don't agree (with child marriage), the government must take measures," said the local university student. 

Private sector worker Amjad Amran (photo), 24, said that even if Islam does not have a rule on the minimum age to marry, child marriages should not happen. 

"We have to understand that underage children do not understand the concept of responsibility in a household. 

"Therefore, child marriages should not be encouraged and the authorities must strictly deal with this issue," he said. 

In June, 41-year-old Kelantanese rubber dealer, Che Abdul Karim Che Abdul's marriage to an 11-year-old girl made headlines and triggered outrage from civil society groups and the general public.

He was on July 9, fined RM1,800 by the Gua Musang Syariah Court under Section 19 and Section 124 of Kelantan's Islamic Family Law Enactment No. 6 for getting married and practising polygamy without permission from the syariah court.

Responding to the outrage, the man said he had sought the permission from the girl’s father, and that  he and his child bride would not be living together until she reaches the age of 16.

The government is currently in the process of ending child marriages and increasing the legal marriage age from 16 to 18 years old.