Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad pledged swift action today over a complaint by Philippines President Gloria Arroyo that a 13-year-old Filipina girl was raped by a Malaysian policeman before being deported during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

"The Malaysian government and I personally view with serious concern the allegation made by a Filipino minor ... that she was a victim of sexual molestation in one of the detention centres in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah," Mahathir said in a statement.

"I have directed that a swift and thorough investigation be conducted by the authorities concerned to verify the allegation.

"I would like to assure the government and people of the Philippines that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with Malaysian laws."