A 41-year-old rubber dealer who married an 11-year-old girl was today fined RM1,800 by the Gua Musang Syariah Court.

Che Abdul Karim Che Abdul was charged under Section 19 and Section 124 of Kelantan's Islamic Family Law Enactment No 6, according to Berita Harian.

Che Abdul Karim pleaded guilty to both offences before Syariah Court judge Mohd Surbaineey Hussain and was fined RM900 for each charge.

Section 19 states that no marriage shall be solemnised unless permission to marry has been given by the Syariah judge, registrar or proper authority if it involves a woman who is a resident of Kelantan.

Section 124 concerns the practice of polygamy without the prior written permission from the Syariah Court.

The offence carries a punishment of up to six months imprisonment or up to RM1,000 fine or both.

Che Abdul Karim's move had caused public outrage, with the government looking to raise the marriage age to 18.