Pahang religious officers were taking Kartika to the Kajang Prison for her to undergo her punishment when the van made a U-turn after a short distance and took her back home.

They told Shukarno that the punishment could not be carried out due to orders from the higher authorities.

Kartika's case has hit international headlines.

Her father, Shukarno Abdul Mutalib Wednesday said he was 'relieved' to see that his daughter's behaviour has 'changed for the better' ever since the whipping sentence imposed on her was highlighted by the local and international media, The Star reported.

In the past, Kartika would weep constantly and insist that she be whipped for her wrongdoings but now she appeared to be calmer, he said.

Meanwhile, Kelantan state's Mentri Besar (chiefr minister) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has expressed discontent over the manner in which the case was handled.

He said that while he did not want to comment on the decision of the court, he was disappointed at the authorities' indecisiveness in carrying out their duties.

'One moment, they want to carry out the caning sentence and the next moment, she is sent home.

'All this will destabilise the court,' Nik Abdul Aziz told reporters after chairing the exco (cabinet) meeting Wednesday.