Someone to share stories with: M'sian woman, 66, marries late sister's husband, 72, 6 years after losing her own

A 66-year-old Malaysian woman has gone viral after marrying her former brother-in-law, six years after losing her husband and just over a year after her sister passed away, according to Weird Kaya.

Jariah Idris and 72-year-old Megat Abdul Malek Megat Abdul Hamid tied the knot on May 30 in Manjung, Perak, Malaysia, in a ceremony attended by around 500 guests. The wedding was organised by both families.

How it came about

Megat Abdul Malek had been married to Jariah's elder sister, who died of liver cancer in March 2025. Jariah herself had been a widow since 2020, and is a mother of seven and grandmother of 19.

According to Weird Kaya, the idea of the two marrying came from Jariah's younger brother, who had noticed Megat Abdul Malek growing quieter and less cheerful after his wife's death.

Jariah told Harian Metro:

"He then suggested my name to my brother-in-law. At first, both of us were shocked because we had never thought about it in that way. But after discussing it and seeking our family's views, we began to consider it more seriously."

"Not looking for love like when I was young"

For Jariah, the decision to remarry was not about romance in the conventional sense.

She told Harian Metro:

"At this age, I am no longer looking for love like in my younger days. Instead, I am looking for a companion to share stories with, to care for me when I am unwell, and to accompany me in the days ahead."

She added:

"In our golden years, having a life companion brings a sense of peace and happiness that is difficult to describe, because there is someone to talk to, share stories with, and care for one another."

Megat Abdul Malek echoed her sentiment. He told Harian Metro:

"At this age, I no longer see marriage as being solely about love. What is more important is having a life companion who can accompany, help, and care for one another."

He continued:

"I hope to live a peaceful, healthy, and happy life with my wife and family until the end of my life."

Children gave their blessing

Jariah said the marriage only proceeded after her children and family gave their blessing.

One of her sons, 32-year-old Badrulmunir Khushairi, admitted the family was initially taken aback.

He said:

"For us siblings, the most touching moment was seeing our mother and father smiling on the wedding dais. At that moment, we felt that giving our blessing to this marriage was the right decision. We hope society can view this from a positive perspective because everyone deserves happiness, regardless of age. Our mother and father's happiness is also our happiness as their children."

Went viral unexpectedly

According to New Straits Times (NST), the wedding footage spread online after one of Jariah's children uploaded it as a family keepsake, drawing both warm wishes and mixed reactions from netizens.

Jariah told NST:

"I am touched by the prayers and kind wishes given by many people. At the same time, I respect every opinion that has been shared."