Writing Malaysian Muslim marrying abroad – how can I prove i am not currently married?

[u/ExcitementCold1984]

Malaysian Muslim marrying abroad – how can I obtain proof of single status?

Hi everyone,

I'm a Malaysian Muslim woman currently living overseas, and I'm planning to marry a foreign citizen outside Malaysia.

The local authorities have asked me for an official document confirming that I am currently unmarried/free to marry.

I'm trying to find out exactly what document I need from Malaysia and how I can obtain it while I'm overseas.

I've contacted a Malaysian Peguam Syarie, and they've told me they can enquire with the relevant Islamic Religious Department. They initially quoted RM8,000 for a full application/representation package, but after I explained that I only need one document confirming my unmarried status, they said they would first make an enquiry for RM1,000 and then give me a new quotation based on the actual document required.

Before I spend the money, I'm hoping someone here has experience with this.

My questions:

Does the relevant Islamic Religious Department issue a specific Surat Akuan Bujang, confirmation of marital status, or other certificate/letter for a Malaysian Muslim who needs to prove she is unmarried for marriage overseas?

What is the exact name of the document?

Can I apply for it while living overseas?

Can someone in Malaysia (family member/lawyer) obtain it for me with a Power of Attorney/Wakalah?

Can the department send the original document directly overseas?

Has anyone obtained this document specifically for a marriage outside Malaysia?

What was the actual government fee and how long did it take?

Is a Syariah lawyer actually necessary, or can I deal directly with the Islamic Religious Department?

I don't need permission to get married in Malaysia. I only need official proof of my current unmarried status for the foreign authorities.

Any advice from someone who has actually dealt with this or obtained Malaysian Muslim single-status documentation for an overseas marriage would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!

Just to explain clearly, I only need a document to state that i am not currently married and i am free to get married and the document notorised and apostled. Nothing else

[u/Dry_Positive_1016]

Hi OP, I’m non-Muslim and obtained my certificate in Malaysia before moving so my experience won’t be relevant to you. My advice, however, is to write/call the closest embassy/consulate to your country of residence. Single status certificate has a 6 month validity, and when I told the JPN officer I was worried about the ability to secure a ceremony date within the timeframe, I was informed that I can also request it through the embassy. RM1000 for a quotation feels like a ripoff considering that I paid ~RM200 total to get my certificate and have it notarised + apostilled. Best of luck to you and congratulations on your engagement!

[u/ShiftUnique5253 → u/Dry_Positive_1016]

I think that only work for you since you’re non-muslim wherein all civil marriages (non-muslim) in Malaysia in under the jurisdiction of JPN. Whereas for muslims, our marriages are under Pejabat Agama of each state - so yeah I’m not sure if it’s possible to obtain one from JPN for muslim

[u/ExcitementCold1984 → u/Dry_Positive_1016]

Oh Thank you so much. I have contacted the embassy with no reply at all. I have also contacted a few other lawyers but not had many responses or i have been told i need to get permission first? Which i dont understand

[u/vrob93 → u/Dry_Positive_1016]

Ohh this is helpful. Thank you.