Govt To Let Syariah Courts Seize Savings For Unpaid Nafkah

Samuel Chua

24th October 2025 - 3 min read

The government is introducing measures to empower Syariah Courts to seize the financial savings of ex-husbands who fail to comply with court-ordered “nafkah” (financial support) maintenance. The move aims to ensure that women and children entitled to such support receive the justice and assistance they are due.

Collaboration With Bank Negara To Enable Account Seizures

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said discussions have been held between the Family Support Division (BSK) under the Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). The collaboration is intended to enable the enforcement of maintenance orders through Syariah Court directives.

“This initiative will be carried out by BSK, and discussions with Bank Negara have already taken place,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN–Jerlun), who asked about government mechanisms to monitor and enforce court-ordered maintenance payments, including the freezing or seizure of bank accounts belonging to ex-husbands or fathers who refuse to pay.

Strengthening Enforcement And Legal Execution

Mohd Na’im said the government is intensifying enforcement efforts and enhancing the execution of Syariah Court orders through existing legal channels. These measures are designed to uphold the rights of women and children who depend on financial maintenance after divorce.

He added that the BSK is also working to raise awareness among family members who are legally and religiously responsible for providing child support. This includes encouraging relatives other than husbands or fathers to fulfil their obligations as required under Islamic law.

Tracing Defaulters Through Inter-Agency Cooperation

Enforcement measures are being further strengthened through collaboration with several government agencies. These partnerships help the Syariah Courts and BSK trace employers and locate the latest addresses of individuals who default on court-ordered maintenance payments.

The agencies involved include the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and the National Registration Department (JPN).

Strengthening The Syariah Judicial System

Mohd Na’im said the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to improving the Syariah judicial system and ensuring the continuity of BSK’s services.

“This long-term effort not only ensures the continuity of BSK’s services but also strengthens the Syariah judicial system in safeguarding the rights of women and children, as well as the overall well-being of the Islamic family institution,” he said.

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