Thirty-three-year-old Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was sentenced to caning for drinking beer but her punishment was commuted to doing community service by the Pahang state sultan.
The former part-time model begun her three-week community service at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Children’s Home (TAFCH) near Kuantan. She will do chores as regulated by the home from 8am to 5pm, online media reports said.
Kartika will also stay in a guest house located within the compound of the home and meals will be provided by the Pahang Islamic Affairs Department (JAIP) and the children’s home.
Her father said Kartika was a bit sad before they bid farewell. "Kartika is free to go anywhere she wants after 5pm but she is advised to stay in the home for her own safety," he added.
The Islamic Shariah High Court had on July 20 last year ordered Kartika to be caned six times and fined 60,000 rupees after she was caught consuming alcohol at a hotel in Cherating on July 11, 2008. Kartika settled the fine. Her case has also attracted local and international attention.
Alcohol is widely available in Malaysia but is forbidden for Muslim Malays, who make up 60 per cent of the population.