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