Malaysia has dropped a caning sentence imposed on a woman for drinking beer.

Shukarno Mutalib, the father of the 32-year-old woman, told Reuters he had received a letter from Islamic authorities indicating the caning has been replaced by another penalty, but few details had been given.

"I have also been asked to present my daughter before the religious authorities on Friday for her to undergo a 'three week' punishment, but we do not know yet whether it will be community service or detention," he said.

Islamic affairs officials could not be immediately contacted.

The woman, Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, was sentenced to six strokes of the cane and a fine after she was caught drinking beer by Islamic enforcement officials two years ago at a hotel lounge in the central state of Pahang.

In February, three Muslim women were caned for the first time under Islamic laws for adultery.

Malaysia practises a dual-track legal system, with Islamic criminal and family law applicable to Muslims. Non-Muslims are subject to civil law.


Reuters