A Sarawak roundtable bringing together native leaders, women, and youths has been unable to reach a consensus on a minimum “marriageable age” under native customary laws, highlighting the diverse cultural perspectives across ethnic communities, according to a state NGO.
Despite the lack of agreement on age limits, participants strongly emphasised that teenagers involved in consensual pregnancies outside marriage should receive support rather than punishment, the Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) reported.
Discussions revealed varying opinions among ethnic groups: some suggested 18 for girls and 21 for boys, others proposed 16 for girls and 18 for boys, while some did not specify any age at all. The findings were drawn from 18 months of engagement across five Sarawak locations, involving nearly 300 participants from 12 ethnic groups, including native leaders, women, and youths.
The roundtable aimed to reconcile traditional customs with modern realities, addressing issues such as early marriage, teen pregnancy, education, and socio-economic outcomes. SWWS noted broad agreement that young people today should remain in school longer and achieve financial and emotional readiness before starting families, given changing social and economic pressures.
Participants observed that early marriages are now more frequently prompted by unplanned pregnancies than by poverty, often undertaken to avoid social stigma or legal consequences. However, these unions frequently end in early divorce, leaving grandparents to shoulder childcare responsibilities.
To tackle these challenges, the roundtable recommended enhanced sexual and reproductive health education and safe, non-judgmental spaces for youths to discuss personal issues. Strengthening parenting skills was also highlighted, addressing widening gaps in communication influenced by social media, digital exposure, and evolving societal norms.
During the report launch, representatives from the native court, Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak, state agencies, and the Sarawak premier’s office agreed on the need for greater public awareness about delaying marriage and childbirth until couples are better prepared.
The report also calls for legal flexibility in handling cases involving consenting teenage relationships, ensuring protections against exploitation while avoiding unnecessary criminalisation.
