KUANTAN: Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno yesterday began her three-week community service at Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Children’s Home here.
SPARED THE CANE: Kartika (centre) accompanied by her father, sister (second right)and others on their way to the Pahang Islamic Department. — Bernama photo
Kartika, 33, was spared the cane when the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah commuted her sentence to community service.
“Thank God. I am prepared although I have to be away from my two children for three weeks. My sister and mother will take care of them. I will do whatever is asked of me.
“I am surprised but accepted the decision made by the Sultan of Pahang. I thank my family for the support,” she told reporters here yesterday.
Kartika said she will care for two boys, aged six and eight years with a hole-in-the-heart and autism, after completion of her punishment.
The part-time model arrived at Pahang Islamic Department at 8.45am and was briefed on what was expected of her.
Kartika was accompanied by her father Shukarno Abdul Mutalib, sister Ratna Sari Dewi and uncle Amlir Hayat.
At 9.35am, she was taken to Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Children’s Home, about 10km from JAIP office.
Media representatives were not allowed to enter the home.
Meanwhile, Shukarno told reporters her family members accepted the decision made on Kartika.
“The punishment will not be a problem as Kartika used to be a nurse for children and old people in Singapore.
“I am satisfied with her guesthouse which comes with two rooms, kitchen, washroom, food and air-conditioning,” he said.
Kartika will also be allowed to return to Perak in times of emergency involving her children.
The Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said Thursday, Kartika escaped whipping at the discretion of the Sultan of Pahang and on humanitarian grounds.
“She (Kartika) was not pardoned of the offence but the sentence has been commuted due to the Sultan’s kindness,” he said.
Kartika who was detained for consuming beer at a resort in Cherating on July 11, 2008 had pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Kuantan Syariah High Court sentenced her to RM5,000 fine and six strokes of whipping. — Bernama