MARRIAGES using the services of syndicates are feared not to be conducted according to Islamic law, which can cause such marriages to be invalid, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said.

He said the government has set a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) for marriages, therefore the bride and groom should choose a method that is validated.

“Marriage syndicates do not have the authority to perform marriages. The community out there who are not familiar with marriage procedures will assume that what the marriage syndicate is doing is right when it is not,” he told reporters after attending the Kelantan TH Prihatin Programme handover ceremony for 180 small traders at the main hall of the Kelantan Lembaga Tabung Haji office in Kota Baru today.

“If the marriage SOP is not followed accordingly, then the marriage is invalid. Couples who want to get married need to know about this.”

Marzuk was commenting on a call by Kelantan Religious Affairs Department for couples who got married by using the services of the “Lebai Lah” syndicate from Kuala Krai to contact the department to verify the validity of their marriages following the arrest of the former imam on October 28. 

Marzuk, who is also Pengkalan Chepa MP, asked the community not to be easily deceived by the offer of low prices to perform umrah.

“The community also needs to choose a registered agent so as not to fall victim to fraud,” he said.

“This umrah is under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The ministry has set the floor price for the umrah package at RM6,900 and it is the cheapest.” – Bernama, November 20, 2021.