Embassy doing all it can in Sweden - Anifah

The Malaysian Embassy in Sweden said, it has taken sufficient diplomatic efforts to assist a Malaysian couple detained by Swedish authorities for allegedly punishing their child on the hand for not performing his prayers.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said: "We respect Swedish laws and do not want to make matters worse...rest assured, we are doing everything we can to help the family.

"Officials from the Malaysian Embassy have met with the children and their parents. We are doing everything we can to help solve the matter.

"The main priority is the well being of the children involved."

The couple, Azizul Raheem Awalludin and his wife, Shalwati Norshal, a teacher on unpaid leave, have been remanded since Dec 18, to facilitate investigations for allegedly punishing their child on the hand for not performing his prayers.

The four children are currently staying with a foster family provided by Sweden's state social service.