Syariah Divorce in Terengganu's Newest Enactment
You live in Terengganu and want to know which court and law now apply to your case.
How is Syariah divorce handled in Terengganu?
Terengganu’s Syariah divorce cases are governed by the Enakmen Undang-Undang Keluarga Islam (Terengganu) 2017, the newest Islamic family law enactment among the states researched for this site.[1]
It replaced the older 1985 law, so a section number you find written for another state, or even an older Terengganu source, will not match what applies now.
Where is the court, and what about your district?
The Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah for Terengganu sits at Aras 5, Bangunan Mahkamah Syariah, Jalan Sultan Mohamad, in Kuala Terengganu. The Mahkamah Rendah Syariah for Kuala Terengganu shares the same building.[2]
Outside the state capital, Terengganu runs district Mahkamah Rendah Syariah in Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu, Setiu, Besut and Kemaman.[2] If you live in one of those districts, your case is usually filed at the local court, not in Kuala Terengganu.
Which divorce route applies to you?
The routes themselves work the same way they do elsewhere, just under Terengganu’s own 2017 provisions. If your husband will not support you or has disappeared, read about fasakh. If he broke a taklik condition read at your marriage, cerai taklik may fit. If you and your husband agree to part and you are ready to redeem the divorce, look at khuluk.
What happens after you file?
Cases typically begin with a Sulh session, where an officer helps both sides try to settle before a full hearing. If Sulh does not resolve things, the case goes to a hearing under the 2017 enactment’s provisions.
After the divorce is recorded, you can also bring claims for maintenance, custody or property in the same court system.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on your route, your evidence, and whether your husband contests the case. Terengganu has no single published fee that covers every situation.
A Peguam Syarie familiar with the Kuala Terengganu court and its district branches can give you a clearer estimate once they know your situation.
Terengganu’s newest law, in your favour
Because the 2017 enactment is recent, its wording and procedure were written with the benefit of decades of Syariah court practice elsewhere in Malaysia. If a form or an older source quotes the 1985 provision, ask whether it is still current.
If your case also touches a neighbouring state, for example a spouse living across the state line, the Kelantan or Pahang guide covers those courts.
If you or your children are unsafe, call Talian Kasih at 15999 before you continue with the court process.
Common questions
Does the newer 2017 enactment change what grounds I can use?
The grounds themselves, such as fasakh or a broken taklik promise, are broadly the same as other states. What the 2017 enactment changed is the provisions and section numbers that apply in Terengganu, replacing the older 1985 law, so a section number you read for another state will not match Terengganu's.
Where do I file if I live in Besut or Setiu?
Terengganu runs district Mahkamah Rendah Syariah in Besut and Setiu, separate from the main court in Kuala Terengganu. Cases from those districts are usually filed at the local district court rather than travelling to the state capital.
Is the Kuala Terengganu court the same building for both levels?
The Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah and the Mahkamah Rendah Syariah for Kuala Terengganu sit in the same complex on Jalan Sultan Mohamad, though they hear different levels of cases. Which one hears yours depends on your route and claim, not just your address.
If you are not sure whether your case belongs at the main Kuala Terengganu court or a district court, tell us your district and we will help you work out the right step.
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