An influential woman minister has lashed out at a state government that had reportedly introduced financial rewards for men who took single mothers as additional wives.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said while the intention may be good and noble, the award would "invite trouble" and encourage polygamy, state Bernama news agency reported late Friday.

"I acknowledge that the intention is good. But the worrying thing is that it can be misinterpreted," Shahrizat was quoted as saying.

Local media reported on Thursday that a Terengganu state executive councillor had said the local government would provide financial compensation for men who took single mothers as additional wives.

The state's chairman of community development and women's affairs, Wan Mohamed Wan Hassan, was reported as saying the money was a token of appreciation for the men.

No such awards

"I was shocked to read it in the newspapers this morning," Shahrizat said, adding she had asked the state's chief minister "for an explanation".

Bernama reported however that Terengganu's chief minister Idris Jusoh said the state government was not planning such compensation.

"The state government never decided to give awards to men who marry four wives," Idris said via a text message to reporters.

Muslim men in Malaysia are allowed up to four wives. Activists and women's groups say polygamy is cruel and has deviated from its original purpose during the days of the Prophet which was to protect widows and orphans.