Developing a New Model of Underage Marriage Governance for Muslims in Malaysia

5 Abstract: The current study attempts to develop a new model of underage marriage governance for Muslims in Malaysia. Qualitative method is used, in which Islamic Family Law Federal Territories Act 1984 and other related laws as well as administrative procedures and formalities are studied and analysed. This research also employed a semi structured interviews conducted on several respondents from the related institutions. This study is perhaps one of the first to develop a new model of governance for underage marriage by investigating the loopholes of the existing system. Findings of this research show some significant weaknesses in the present governance of underage marriage and propose a new model for the betterment of Muslim families in Malaysia. The findings provide on how the legal and administrative mechanism relating to underage marriage can be improved and subsequently aid the relevant authorities or institutions involved in policy making pertaining to family matters and its implementation.