- Defines the age of majority as eighteen years (s 2)
- Specifies how age is calculated using the Gregorian calendar (s 3(1))
- Clarifies that the birth day is included in age computation (s 3(2))
- States that majority is attained at the beginning of the eighteenth anniversary (s 3(2))
- Preserves capacity for marriage, divorce, dower, and adoption (s 4(a))
- Protects religious rites and usages of any class of persons (s 4(b))
- Allows other written laws to fix their own age of majority (s 4(c))
What this law is
The Age of Majority Act 1971 (Akta Umur Dewasa 1971) is numbered Act 21 in the Laws of Malaysia.
Its long title, as printed in the official text: An Act to amend and consolidate the law relating to the age of majority.
Read every section, the amendment history and the official copy on our law library page for this Act.
Laws cited on this page
| Act 21 | Age of Majority Act 1971 Akta Umur Dewasa 1971 | PDF · PDF (BM) · Official ↗ |
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Key sections
| Provision | What it says, in plain words |
|---|---|
| s 2 | The minority of all males and females ceases at the age of eighteen years, making them of the age of majority, subject to section 4. |
| s 3(1) | All computations of age under this Act must be reckoned according to the Gregorian calendar. |
| s 3(2) | The day of birth is included as a whole day, and a person is deemed to have attained the age of eighteen years at the beginning of the eighteenth anniversary of that day. |
| s 4(a) | The Act does not affect the capacity of any person to act in matters of marriage, divorce, dower, and adoption. |
| s 4(b) | The Act does not affect the religion and religious rites and usages of any class of persons within Malaysia. |
| s 4(c) | The Act does not affect any provision in other written laws that fixes the age of majority for the purposes of that specific law. |
Worked examples
Facts. Ahmad was born on 1 January 2005. He wants to know when he is legally an adult under this Act.
The law. Under s 3(2), the day of birth is included as a whole day, and a person is deemed to have attained the age of eighteen years at the beginning of the eighteenth anniversary of that day. Under s 2, minority ceases at the age of eighteen years.
Outcome. Ahmad is deemed to have attained the age of majority at the beginning of 1 January 2023 (s 3(2)).
Facts. Siti is seventeen years old and wishes to enter into a marriage contract. Her family asks if the Age of Majority Act prevents her from doing so.
The law. Section 4(a) states that nothing in this Act affects the capacity of any person to act in matters of marriage. Therefore, the general age of majority rule in s 2 does not override specific capacities regarding marriage.
Outcome. The Age of Majority Act does not affect Siti's capacity to act in matters of marriage (s 4(a)).
Facts. A community in Malaysia has a religious rite that traditionally involves individuals at a specific age. They are concerned that the Act changes their religious practices.
The law. Section 4(b) provides that nothing in this Act affects the religion and religious rites and usages of any class of persons within Malaysia.
Outcome. The Act does not affect the community's religion and religious rites and usages (s 4(b)).
Examples are simplified illustrations with invented names; real cases turn on their own facts.
Questions & answers
At what exact moment do I become an adult?
You are deemed to have attained the age of eighteen years at the beginning of the eighteenth anniversary of your birth day (s 3(2)). Your minority ceases and determines at the age of eighteen years (s 2).
Does this Act change the rules for getting married?
No, the Act does not affect the capacity of any person to act in matters of marriage (s 4(a)). The general age of majority rule does not override specific capacities regarding marriage (s 4(a)).
How is my age calculated for this Act?
All computations of age are reckoned according to the Gregorian calendar (s 3(1)). The day on which you were born is included as a whole day (s 3(2)).
Does this Act affect my religious practices?
No, nothing in this Act affects the religion and religious rites and usages of any class of persons within Malaysia (s 4(b)).
Can other laws set a different age of majority?
Yes, the Act does not affect any provision in any other written law contained fixing the age of majority for the purposes of that written law (s 4(c)).
Does this apply to both men and women?
Yes, the minority of all males and females shall cease and determine within Malaysia at the age of eighteen years (s 2).
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Sources
Related
Guardianship of Infants Act 1961Family law: marriage, divorce, maintenance and custodyContracts Act 1950