Do I need court permission to marry again in Malaysia?

Yes, a man who already has a wife must first obtain the written permission of the Syariah Court before marrying again. This requirement is found in every state's Islamic family law Enactment; for the Federal Territories it is Act 303, section 23. The application is made to the Syariah Court (the level of court that hears it differs by state). Without permission, the marriage cannot be registered in the usual way and the husband may be charged with the offence of polygyny without permission. This rule does not forbid what Syariah permits; it is administration by the government to ensure justice and the protection of wives and children. The full steps are on the polygyny procedure page and the table of state laws.