In Malaysia, there are 2 venues where non-Muslim couples can do their registration of marriage (ROM) which are the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) and Church / Temple / Association by Assistant Registrar of Marriages. We will explain the steps for Chinese registration of marriage and what you should bring for your ROM in both places.
National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara JPN)
First of all, you must get the register application form which is known as Form JPN.KC02 because it is mandatory for non-Muslim couples to register with the Marriage and Divorce Division. The Registration Application form is available at the Marriage Counter of all National Registration Department offices for all non-Muslim wedding couples.
After completing the form, you must submit the application in person, so grab your fiancé or fiancée and head over to the National Registration Department that is near to you. Besides that, bring along you and your partner’s Mykads and one photocopies of it, and one colour passport-size photo of each.
Marriage must be register after 21 days plus 1 day and no later than 6 months from the application date. So, it is suggest that you submit the application around a month before the ROM date that you prefer. Then, choose a date for the Registrar of Marriages to perform your marriage (usually takes place 3 weeks after your registration but not later than 6 months).
Couples Come From Different States
Please be aware that the Mykad address must be follow while submit the marriage registration application. If you and your spouse have different Mykad addresses, you must complete form JPN.KC02 and submit a marriage application based on the address on the Mykad. For instance, if your partner lives in Kuala Lumpur but your MyKAD address is in Perak, you must submit your application to JPN Perak and your partner’s application to JPN WP Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya.
Moreover, you and your partner must let the JPN know which JPN that you will hold the ceremony when submitting your application. You and your partner will each receive an appointment letter after the application has been submit. The appointment letter must be present to the JPN that has choose for the wedding ceremony in order to determine the appointment date.
If not, one of you must update the Mykad address before proceeding to register your marriage in the same state.
Fee
Total RM30 for the whole process
On the day of ROM
On that day, there will probably be other couples registering their marriages as well, so it’s usually a good idea to arrive early to prevent a long line. Dress appropriately and bring two witnesses who are at least 21 years old with you when you visit the National Registration Department.
Please be aware that witnesses must have their original MyKAD along with them and must dress up properly. They are not allow to wear t-shirts, jeans, flip-flops, and shorts. Display of the Notice of Marriage must be made for at least 21 complete days or after three months.
Church / Temple / Association by Assistant Registrar of Marriages
The steps for Chinese registration of marriage at the church/temple/association will be slightly different from JPN. Prior to the marriage solemnization and registration, you must first acquire the confirmation of your married status from one of the National Registration Department (NRD) offices with each marriage certificate costing RM20.00. Next, you must get the registration application form JPN and make a Statutory Declaration with any Commissioner of Oaths after filling up the form.
After that, you and your partner must make a Statutory Declaration with any Commissioner of Oaths. The NRD will select an official to solemnise your marriage, and then you can choose the time and day. Similarly, The registration of a marriage must take place after 21 days plus 1 day and no later than 6 months from the application date.
Afterward, you must submit your application to the appointed assistant registrar of marriages at the respective church/temple/association. During this submission, they might require several documents such as the photocopy of your MyKAD and Birth Certificate. Do double confirm with them to prevent any mistakes.
Once done with your ROM, you must deliver the document to the appropriate NRD office within a week after the wedding’s date of solemnization and registration.
Fee
Total of RM500
On the day of ROM
Dress up appropriately and invite your family and friends to witness the ceremony. Take note that the permission of the couple’s parents may be necessary in a temple or other place of worship but this will actually depend on the temple. So, it is advisable that you get confirmation from them. Both couples and witnesses (if any) must have their original MyKAD along with them as well.