The aide, who requested anonymity, added that Mohamaddin’s comment that there is no such thing as homosexuality in Malaysia was his personal view.

“Tourists coming to Malaysia, like any other country, are welcome regardless of their creed, sexuality, religion or colour,” the aide said.

The tourism, arts and culture minister, who was in Germany ahead of a major travel fair, had been asked whether Malaysia was a safe destination for homosexuals.

“Homosexuality? I think we do not have such a thing in our country. I cannot answer whether it’s safe or not,” he was quoted as saying by Berlin-based daily Berliner Morgenpost.

FMT is attempting to contact Mohamaddin for comment and is awaiting a response.

In January, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said his government would not tolerate homosexuality.

The Pakatan Harapan government also maintains that same-sex marriages and other LGBT activities are “Western” practices that cannot be accepted in the country.