SHAH ALAM, July 7 — The 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.
State executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said other proposed measures include income withholding orders, garnishment orders, and the sale of property belonging to defaulters.
"The selection of an appropriate and efficient mechanism by the party seeking maintenance, especially the ex-wife or children’s guardian, is a crucial factor in ensuring the successful enforcement of maintenance orders.
“Failure to choose the right channel or mechanism can cause delays, confusion, and ultimately jeopardise the rights of the maintenance recipient,” he told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session today.
Fahmi was responding to Meru state assemblyman Mariam Abdul Rashid's oral question on efforts by the state government to strengthen state laws and enable stricter action against those who evade maintenance payments.
He added that the state government, via the Syariah Judicial Department (Jakess), is also exploring strategic collaboration opportunities with other agencies like the National Registration Department, the Inland Revenue Board, and financial institutions to assist in the process of tracing and seizing the assets of individuals who have defaulted on maintenance orders.
"The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), together 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 to improve provisions related to the enforcement of maintenance orders,” Fahmi said.
The councillor noted that 1,189 complaints of maintenance violations had been received by the Selangor State Family Support Division since 2022 until May 31 this year.
— Bernama
