Muslims marry abroad, Malaysia Muslim court and registration

Suggest you contact the state Islamic authority where the couple intend to settle and ask what the procedure is. In KL, contact JAWI, in Selangor contact JAIS. A Google search should get bring up the websites and contact info. Note that the process is likely to be an excruciatingly frustrating one. A mixed Malay/expat couple we know of had difficulty getting married here in Malaysia due to problems in getting the woman's father (wali) to attend shariah court to explain why he wouldn't provide his permission for the girl to marry. The case dragged on for so long that the couple gave up on marrying here and married in Thailand instead. When they applied to JAIS to have the marriage recognized here in Malaysia, their application was put into a long queue of applications that was held up awaiting resolution of the file ahead of theirs: a couple who had given up waiting for their marriage to be recognized here and who had gone to live in the husband's country. Needless to say, having to deal with this kind of silliness, our friends exited Malaysia and are now living in the US.

Thanks kmart. Understood.

Since I wrote the post I think I understand a few extra things now. The system is a racket, a racket for money. If you marry abroad you are depriving the system of lawyers, courts, blood tests, fees, etc. Actually to marry in Malaysia is not so easy, especially if, as you say, the wali mujbir (father or grandfather) objects. Often the objection is again about money paid for the bride. If one marries abroad most of this is wiped out and that cause of grief to the locals causes them to punish you -- delays and abundant problems.

They get you one way or the other way because if you return to Malaysia you cant be called a married couple after 6 months, thus causing you to get into the system or be guilty of kwalwat charges. They have you coming or going and it doesnt matter to them which way.

That said, there is sparse information about the process, especially the court proceedings to find guilt and apply fines. I only know one forieigner who married abroad and tried to re-register in Malaysia. It took five years during which time they had to hide from authorities and go out every three months as the foreigner remained in tourist status (no registration, and so no visa).

In US anyway, there are NONE of these problems (that i know of). Im not surprised people get fed up here and go. Anyway, still compiling info here.