MANILA - The Philippine government today said it has invited Malaysian police to interview the 13-year-old Filipina who complained that she was sexually abused at an illegal immigrants holding centre in Sabah.

"The Philippine government is giving the necessary clearance for the Malaysian police investigators to visit Manila and conduct interviews, " read a statement issued by the presidential palace.

The interviews "may include recording of statement and possible formality of lodging a police report," it added.

The case has added fresh pressure to bilateral ties already strained by Malaysia's alleged mistreatment of thousands of Filipino migrants being deported after the introduction of tough immigration laws.