Selangor: Seizure of assets is among the mechanisms being considered by the Selangor government against husbands who evade and default on court-ordered ‘nafkah’ (financial support) maintenance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Islamic Religious Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah mentioned that other proposed measures include income withholding orders, garnishment orders, and the sale of property belonging to defaulters. He emphasized the importance of selecting an appropriate and efficient mechanism by the party seeking maintenance, typically the ex-wife or children’s guardian, to ensure the successful enforcement of maintenance orders. “Failure to choose the right channel or mechanism can cause delays, confusion, and ultimately jeopardize the rights of the maintenance recipient,” he told the State Assembly.

He was responding to an oral question from Mariam Abdul Rashid (PH-Meru) regarding the state government’s efforts to strengthen state laws and enable stricter action against those who evade maintenance payments. Mohammad Fahmi shared that the state government, through the Syariah Judicial Department (JAKESS), is exploring strategic collaboration opportunities with agencies such as the National Registration Department, the Inland Revenue Board, and financial institutions to assist in tracing and seizing the assets of individuals who have defaulted on maintenance orders.

Furthermore, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), in collaboration with JAKESS, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), academics, and Syariah legal experts, are currently reviewing and proposing amendments to the Islamic Family Law Enactment (Selangor State) 2003. These amendments aim to improve provisions related to the enforcement of maintenance orders. He also informed the State Assembly that the Selangor State Family Support Division had received 1,189 complaints of maintenance violations from 2022 until May 31 this year.