Customary Marriage
The Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 ("Act"), which took effect on 1.3.1982, requires that all marriages be registered to be legally recognized. Section 5(4) of the Act emphasizes that, except for specific exceptions outlined in Part III, no marriage can be solemnized under any law, religion, custom, or practice after this date. Therefore, customary marriages performed after 1.3.1982, and not registered are generally not legally recognized.
However, in some Malaysia courts' cases, marriages solemnized under customary rites before 1.3.1982, and not registered, are deemed valid as there are sufficient evidences of the marriage's solemnization as per Section 4 of the Act. To establish the validity of such a customary marriage, it is essential to demonstrate that the marriage was consensual and provide adequate evidence. This can include long-term cohabitation, an intention to form a permanent union, and the marriage's reputation, with acknowledgment by the husband's family being a significant indicator. Supporting evidence might include tea ceremonies, invitation cards, priests, witnesses (such as relatives), photographs, public references to the wife (e.g., Mrs. X), and cohabitation.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
习俗婚姻
《婚姻与离婚法令 1976》（“法令”），自1982年3月1日起生效，规定所有婚姻必须注册才能获得法律承认。法令第5(4)条强调，除第III部分中列明的特定例外情况外，任何法律、宗教、习俗或实践在该日期之后不得进行婚姻仪式。因此，1982年3月1日之后进行的且未注册的习俗婚姻通常不被法律承认。
然而，根据马来西亚法院的一些案例，1982年3月1日之前进行的且未注册的习俗婚姻在有足够的婚姻仪式证明的情况下仍然被视为有效。这符合法令第4条的规定。为了确认这种习俗婚姻的有效性，必须证明婚姻是双方同意的，并提供充分的证据。这些证据可以包括长期同居、形成永久性联合的意图，以及婚姻的声誉，其中丈夫家庭的认可是一个重要指标。支持证据可能包括茶礼、请柬、神父、见证人（如亲属）、照片、公众对妻子的称呼（例如，Mrs. X）以及同居等。
本文仅供参考，不应视为法律建议
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