Sabah moves to exclude Muslims from Adoption Ordinance

 By Olivia Miwil

April 30, 2026 @ 2:46pm

State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Julita Majungki said the amendment to the Adoption Ordinance 1960 ensures that the law does not apply to Muslims. — PIC BY DATUK JULITA MAJUNGK

KOTA KINABALU: The amendment to the Adoption Ordinance 1960 ensures that the law does not apply to Muslims.

In tabling the bill, state Women, Health and People's Wellbeing Minister Julita Majungki said the amendment seeks to substitute Section 23 to state that the ordinance does not apply to Muslims.

She said the Sabah State Legislative Assembly had passed the Adoption of Muslims Enactment 2024 on Nov 21, 2024, which sets out provisions for adoption among Muslims in Sabah.

The development empowers the Syariah Court to issue adoption orders and determine conditions for adoption, consent procedures, exemptions, and restrictions on the withdrawal of consent.

"Accordingly, an amendment to Section 23 of the Adoption Ordinance 1960 is necessary to ensure it does not apply to Muslims.

"It will also enable the Adoption of Muslims Enactment 2024 to be implemented and enforced.

"The current section prevents the application of any other law, including the Adoption of Muslims Enactment 2024, in matters relating to adoption.

"This amended ordinance shall not apply to any person who professes Islam, either to permit that person to adopt a child or to permit the adoption of a child who, under Islamic law, is Muslim."

Meanwhile, the sitting also passed an amendment to the Holidays Ordinance.

The bill was tabled by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who said it clarifies the procedure for replacement holidays.

If a holiday coincides with another public holiday on a Sunday, the replacement will move to the following day.

"This amendment is necessary to address gaps in the provision and to ensure clear interpretation.

"This ensures that the implementation of replacement public holidays is carried out in an orderly, consistent manner without causing confusion," he said.

During the debate, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko-Tamparuli) urged the state government to introduce the concept of a "floating holiday".

"Why don't we give our people a very basic right — the right to choose the day that is most meaningful in their lives?"