ROM at JPN Putrajaya

Here's briefly sharing something on the registration of marriage (ROM) and my personal feedback on the service at JPN Putrajaya...

A random picture of the counter at "Bahagian Perkahwinan dan Penceraian" at JPN:

A. Why JPN Putrajaya?

The place is new, beautiful, having lots of nice spots to take photos, and reputed for good service. Hmm... let's explore and see. ;)

B. What document to bring?

For couples who are Malaysian citizens, just bring along your respective MyKad and one passport-sized photo of yourselves. The background of your photo must be blue in colour.

(Note: Being a layperson in terms of ROM, I'm not providing elaboration for applicants from abroad i.e. those with spouses-to-be from overseas as I believe JPN will be able to provide more accurate details as to this)

B. Preliminaries: Couple's Address

1. In order to apply for ROM at JPN Putrajaya, the man and woman (where both are Malaysian citizens) intending to apply for registration must first ensure that both their addresses in their MyKad are in the Klang Valley.

2. However, fret not if either one or both of you have IC address(es) outside the Klang Valley. Just go to the "Bahagian Kad Pengenalan" the opposite of the "Bahagian Perkahwinan" to apply for change of address in the MyKad. There's no need to bring any supporting document to prove the change of address, for one merely needs to fill in a 1-page application form.

(note: If it's impractical/impossible for you to change your address to one that's in the Klang Valley, there's no need to worry as an alternative is to have ROM done by appointed Assistant Registrar of Marriages at selected associations/temples/churches. The procedure and fee for ROM with Assistant Registrars differ slightly from JPN.)

There's no need to change the entire MyKad as the update of address can be done over the chip for just RM2 and within a few minutes. Which means your address remains as it is as printed on your MyKad, but only the information in the chip is altered.

3. Since the sum of RM2 is nominal, one can actually opt to re-update his/her address later in the future.

4. Once done with the MyKad (applicable only to those who need to change address), it's time to head to the division of marriage registration.

C. Application for ROM

1. Firstly, get a queue number and application forms for ROM from the information counter (Counter 1).

2. In the meantime, complete the particulars and paste your photo onto the completed form.

3. When your number is called, just head to Counter 2 and hand in the form. The officer in-charge will request for your MyKad and completed form in order to do the necessary checks.

4. Once satisfied with the application, the officer will briefly explain to you the law governing marriage - that you must be currently unmarried in order to go for ROM, and that it's an offence to get married while still in a legally-binding marriage.

5. The officer will give a date for ROM, normally 4 weeks after your application for ROM.

D. Notice of Application for ROM

1. The names and photos of you and your intended spouse will be put up on the notice board at JPN for 21 days.

The purpose of such notice it to inform the public of your application. Should there be any objection to the application, further action can thus be taken accordingly by the objecting party.

E. On the Day of ROM

1. Do bring along your MyKad, and 2 witnesses with their respective MyKad/other identification document to witness your ROM. The witness can be any sound adult of 21 years and above - a parent, a relative, or a friend.

2. Get your queue number from Counter 1, then wait for your turn. When called, you'll be directed to Counter 3 and required to present your MyKad and that of your witnesses. The officer will keep and hand them to the personnel who's going to solemnise your marriage. The registration fee of RM30 is then imposed and to be paid at Counter 3 whereby a receipt is issued.

3. Attire: Only formal wear is allowed.

From observation, most grooms wear formal attire / traditional costume (tie/coat is optional). Brides normally wear either gown, sari or cheongsam.

4. Stuff that people normally bring: Wedding bands and hand bouquets.

5. When your turn comes, you'll be directed accordingly to the ROM room.

F. The Process of ROM

1. The officer will first verify your identity.

2. Both bride and groom are then required to stand up. The officer will read out (and explain, if necessary) the oath, then ask if you understand it. That your marriage is voluntary, that you do not breach the law that prevents you from the intended marriage, etc.

3. The groom will be asked if he is willing to take the bride as his wife, and vice versa. Just need to say "saya sudi" if you are willing.

4. The officer will hand you 3 copies of documents (2 which are your certificates) for your signature and that of your 2 witnesses.

5. Upon signing all the copies, the officer will then pronounce that you and your spouse are now legally husband and wife. Both H+W will each be given a copy of the marriage certificate on the spot.

6. Thereafter, couples normally exchange rings, some give kisses to each other. :)

In conclusion

JPN in Putrajaya can be crowded at times, but overall, the service is efficient, user-friendly and the staff are very polite. Well done, ★★★★★ for JPN. :)


P/S: Besides the 2 official witnesses for the ceremony, others such as friends and relatives are allowed to enter the ROM room.  The room is very spacious and can fit in >30 people at once.

Telling the Untold

A picture of my hand-bouquet randomly taken while boringly (but excitingly-in-secret) waiting for our turn at JPN Putrajaya yesterday... But where's the picture of the newly-wed? Let's wait for that to come later, although I've uploaded one that's taken at our ROM venue on another more personal site.

May 4th, 2011 is the day we begin our lives as man and wife, in the eyes of law...

Some may argue that it's only upon customary marriage that a man and woman officially become spouses. However, coming from a law academic background makes me put a higher regard to the registration of marriage (ROM) as what we call marriage, as opposed to customary marriage.

Having said that, I nonetheless still treat both with importance as they compliment each other in different ways.

The ROM empowers us legally as husband and wife, while customary marriage empowers us as part of each others' families through exchange of gifts and the tea ceremony.

Behind the scene...

..... lies a thousand untold stories. Who's the 'lucky guy'? Other than to a few close folks whom I frequently meet, how come I've never mentioned about going for dates, let alone marriage? And no, things didn't happen overnight.

Not without doubts at first

As much as I would like to share this earlier, my excitement was strangely beyond description by words. Throughout the 2 years of courtship, I was not without anxiety and even doubts at times. I was afraid to share in the beginning. What if we don't make it? And thus I didn't tell the world. It's only upon attaining a level of certainty that I begin to divulge.

Are we prepared for the huge commitment? Have we understood each other well enough? Do we share any common aim in life? We share a great friendship, but are we compatible as spouses?

He is serious about me, I could see that he is truly committed and loves me. But am I good enough to return the love that he showers on me? I love and cherish him for who he is, although I undoubtedly like to tease him for acting just half his age by sticking to Play Station.

We are opposites
Indeed, we are.

I love music, he prefers movies. He loves manga, but I don't. I like fish, he likes chicken. He enjoys mild-tasting food, I love spicy food. I come from the national education stream, he comes from the Chinese national-type stream. He likes indoor activities, I like outdoor. I'm inclined towards art, he is into maths.

Despite our differences, our relationship has worked fine from the day we met until today (fingers-crossed). Perhaps, our differences compensate for what we individually lack. Humans are not perfect, and sure we are no exceptions.

Storm and Clear Skies

However, having stated the above, it doesn't mean that our journey prior to marriage was serene as a calm ocean on a daily basis. Storms did occur on a very occasional basis. But I was most touched by the high level of his determination to salvage all we have, as well as the encouragement and support from his and my parents in overcoming the storms.

Moving Forward

We have yet to hold the customary marriage ceremonies and will only do them on selected dates. My side of the family and I are actually not particular about auspicious times and dates, nonetheless we shall be happy to accommodate any party who prefer that we go by tradition. It'll be fun to go by a little tradition and imagine what our parents went through during their marriage.

I don't have anything in mind to share as to what's going to come along upon being someone's wife. For we may only plan, but the actual thing will be left to be seen as things come along. .
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P/s: Someone veteran just shared a piece of mind with me earlier today. Call it surprising for the issue of PDA (public display of affection) from the innocent remark "I see that both of you look 'icy' from someone in his 70s. My reply was that we respect the people around us in public and therefore choose not to show any gross PDA, other than normal hands-holding, and some light pecks on the cheek in private.

But I also saw the above statement of opinion as an insinuation as to our practice of chastity at pre-marital stage. I'm pretty sure that the veteran person who initiated a chat on the topic with me must be curious as to how come I've never failed to come home from every night date during my courtship with my husband before marriage. Not a night at my boyfriend's place?
The veteran person had said to me "you know, it's not about having to be flirtatious, but it's crucial that sufficient affection has to be won and maintained between two at all times........". That, I interpret as a piece of opinion cum advice. An honest and straightforward one.

Religious issue aside, at the end of the day, it's ultimately up to any couple to mutually agree on what they choose to practise (chastity or otherwise before they marry). To me, I'm perfectly comfortable with the practice of chastity at pre-marital stage on grounds which I'm not about to share here.

Moving forward - Part II

Until the customary marriage ceremony, I will meanwhile just be a part-time wife as we currently live and work quite apart from each other. But as of now, I haven't actually seen myself like a wife of anyone... don't know if it matters or not.

I pray that I'll adjust to my new environment and new families once I'm officially a full-time wife. My parents-in-law are okay so far, and I'll do my best in employing and retaining my diplomacy as it is presently.

I'm actually pretty afraid of the dreadful stories of living with extended families that I heard from folks around me. However, at the same time, I also know of folks who live harmoniously with their extended families. The reason why I raise this issue is due to the initial arrangement of living with extended family i.e. my in-laws in the early stage of marriage, which I was in a dilemma until I finally saw that not all things perceived bad are actually bad.
After all, my aunt (wife of my 2nd eldest uncle) had lived with my late paternal grandma under the same roof for more than 4 decades and yet, their relationship had been superbly harmonious at all times.

Whichever side of the story I will end up in, I'm fully aware of the importance of having contingency plans ready, akin to preparing for rainy days just in case if there's any neccesity to divert from what's originally planned.