Malaysia: Caning on hold

A Malaysian Islamic appeals court judge has deferred indefinitely the caning sentence imposed on a woman caught drinking beer.

Local news reports said the chief judge of Pahang state's Shariah court ordered a review of the six-lash sentence, deeming it too extreme.

Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, 32, was given a temporary reprieve on Monday when her caning was delayed until the end of the Ramadan holy month.