Section 13

When an application has been made to the Court under section 8 for the return of a child, no decision may be made by any court in respect of the custody of, care and control of or access to the child in any proceedings until the Court has determined the application.

The reference to deciding on the merits in respect of the custody of, care and control of or access to a child in subsection (1) is a reference to making, varying, revoking or enforcing a custody order, a care and control order or an access order (as the case may be) in respect of the child.

Subsection (1) does not affect or limit the Court’s power to make interim orders or give interim directions under section 10.

In this section, “court” includes the Syariah Court and the Appeal Board constituted under the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966.