PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 — The Social Welfare Department backs any move to return the guardianship of the four children to Azizul Raheem Awalludin and Shalwati Nor Shal as the couple was freed from a Swedish prison and returned home.

Its director-general, Datuk Norani Mohd Hashim said however, the decision on the status of guadianship was under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Foreign Ministry.

"We are waiting for a directive from Wisma Putra, if we are asked for our views on the matter," she told a media conference after the soft launch of the 2014 Hang Tuah Award here today.

Indeed, she said the department hoped the family could be reunited after almost a year.

"Hopefully, the difficulties between them can be solved as the best place for children is with their parents," she said.

The guardianship of the children was still placed with their aunt, Shaleena Nor Shal in Kampung Wakaf Tuk Wali, Melor in Kelantan.

On March 28, the Solna District Court in Stockholm, Sweden jailed Azizul Raheem and Shalwati for 10 months and 14 months, respectively, for repeated assault and violation of their children's integrity.

However, the court reduced their sentences by one-third.

Azizul Raheem was freed on July 9 and Shalwati, on Sept 29. — Bernama