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| Sabah Assistant Law and Native Affairs minister Janie Lasimbang (right) testing one of the traditional food, during the second Hari Orang Asal Sedunia at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang. - NSTP/Edmund Samunting.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will continue to promote awareness on child marriages until the legal amendment on the issue becomes a reality.
Assistant Law and Native Affairs minister Janie Lasimbang said the issue of amending the law to only allow people aged 18 and above to get married would be brought up during the August state assembly sitting.
“We have drafted the Section (for amendment), but the Ministry needs more time to discuss it with organisations and customary chiefs.
“There are also requests to have exception (on the minimum marriage age), there is also a need to bring the issue to Syariah Court,” she said after attending the second World Indigenous Day celebration at Hongkod Koisaan here.
Janie said the amendment to the state law would also take into account the Federal law which allows marriage for those aged between 16 and 18, provided its is done with the consent from the respective state’s Menteris Besar/Chief Ministers.
“We hope the law will be amended as soon as possible, but it does not mean that it is the only way to tackle child marriages.
“The ministry is also working with state Women Affairs department, agencies, native chiefs and other institutions to create awareness,” Janie said.
The collaborations include educational talks at schools,villages and even to young people who come to the city to work.
Janie had previously said that women from rural areas who came to the city looking for jobs were among those who ended up getting married young after getting pregnant.
“It is one of our main concerns, young couples having to get married once the woman is expecting.
“There are ways. Our ministry is also looking into solutions and assistance for girls and boys in such cases.”
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