Unauthorized Marriage Statistics 2019-2023: An Analysis

Statistik Perkahwinan Tanpa Kebenaran Kelantan 2019-2023: Satu Analisis

Abstract

This paper addresses illegal marriage from Shariah and legal perspective in Kelantan Malaysia. The aims are to identify the patterns and trends, analyze contributing factors, and propose remedial measures. Covering data from 2019 to 2023, a mixed-method approach was used and data was gathered from three primary agencies in Kelantan: the Shariah Prosecution Department, The Shariah Judiciary Department, and subsequently the Islamic Religious Authorities Department. Results show erratic patterns, with a notable decline during the COVID-19 epidemic followed by a notable rise especially in cross-border marriages. Important contributing elements are limited public awareness, geographical elements, and procedural restrictions. Especially, incidents of polygamous weddings without authorisation were discovered to be regularly more than those of monogamous marriages. The investigation exposed dire effects for child welfare, spousal rights, and marriage legality. It claims that this phenomenon calls for a complete legal, social, and religious policy. Among these include enhancing public awareness campaigns, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, evaluating present marriage provision policies, and customising treatments for particular local settings. By providing insights for legislators and religious authorities, this study adds to the continuous debate on Islamic family law compliance and preservation of family structures in Kelantan.

Abstrak
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meninjau fenomena perkahwinan tanpa kebenaran di Kelantan dari perspektif syariah dan perundangan. Objektif utama ialah untuk mengenal pasti corak dan trend perkahwinan tanpa kebenaran, mengkaji faktor-faktor penyumbang, dan mencadangkan langkah-langkah penambahbaikan. Metodologi kajian berdasarkan analisis dokumen dengan data diperolehi daripada kitab rujukan dan tiga agensi utama bagi tempoh 2019 hingga 2023. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan trend yang tidak seragam dengan penurunan ketara semasa pandemik COVID-19, diikuti peningkatan mendadak selepasnya, terutamanya dalam kes perkahwinan luar negara. Faktor penyumbang utama yang dikenal pasti termasuk kekangan prosedur, faktor geografi, dan tahap kesedaran yang rendah dalam kalangan masyarakat. Analisis mendapati kes poligami tanpa kebenaran lebih tinggi berbanding kes monogami. Kajian ini mendedahkan implikasi serius terhadap kesahan perkahwinan, hak pasangan, dan kebajikan anak-anak. Kesimpulannya, fenomena ini memerlukan strategi komprehensif mengambil kira aspek perundangan, sosial, dan keagamaan. Kajian mencadangkan pendekatan bersepadu melibatkan penyelarasan antara agensi, peningkatan program kesedaran awam, dan semakan semula prosedur sedia ada untuk memastikan pematuhan undang-undang syariah dan memelihara keutuhan institusi kekeluargaan di Kelantan.