The communications minister said warships from other countries often dock at Malaysian ports, all in accordance with protocols set by Wisma Putra and with the knowledge of the defence ministry.

“Warships from Australia, the US, China and even India dock (at our ports). They are often en route to another destination and dock here only for a few days.

“When the ships dock, embassies or foreign representatives of the respective countries usually communicate with us to conduct certain activities to strengthen ties,” he told reporters after his ministry’s monthly assembly today.

Fahmi criticised people who played on the issue with racist and xenophobic sentiments online.

“Since 2010, I’ve noticed that certain netizens publish untrue claims every time foreign warships dock, even though these ships often engage in social activities to strengthen bilateral ties.

“We have good diplomatic relations with many countries, and all these countries dock their warships at Malaysian ports according to protocol,” he said.

He said police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are looking into the matter and will take action against those involved.

Yesterday, Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai called on people not to speculate over the visit of two Chinese navy vessels to Penang last weekend, saying it was done through official channels.

He said it was a goodwill visit that included students from China’s Naval University of Engineering.

In a statement today, Bersatu’s Saifuddin Abdullah questioned the “warm welcome” given to the Chinese ships, in the midst of allegations that Malaysian waters in Sabah and Sarawak are being encroached upon by the republic’s assets.