PUTRAJAYA — The solemnisation of civil marriages by authorised parties under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (Act 164) cannot be equated with the performance of religious rituals or regarded as taking over the role of religious leaders.

The National Registration Department (NRD) said the function was a responsibility carried out in accordance with the laws of the country.

“Every religion has its own marriage ceremonies, customs and practices, whether Buddhists, Christians, Hindus or other faiths, while the implementation of religious rituals is a matter for the followers and religious leaders concerned.

“From the perspective of national law, the marriages of non-Muslim couples governed by Act 164 must be carried out and registered in accordance with the stipulated provisions to ensure their marital status is legally recognised,” it said in a statement today.

Act 164 empowers appointed Registrars of Marriages and Assistant Registrars of Marriages to solemnise and register civil marriages.

Such marriages can be solemnised at NRD offices or places of worship and associations through authorised Assistant Registrars of Marriages, subject to the applicable legal requirements and procedures.