The anti-Malaysian protests in Jakarta have not affected trade between Malaysia and Indonesia, said International Trade and

Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.

He said only a handful of people were involved in the demonstrations and their actions did not reflect the aspiration of the majority of Indonesians and the republic's policy.

"We have cordial relations with Indonesia and I have discussions with my Indonesian counterpart every three months in the spirit of Asean.

"A number of Malaysian companies are investing in Malaysia and vice-versa and we hope this issue will not affect our relations," he told reporters after having sahur (meals before dawn) with about 60 orphans at Pusat Jagaan Rohaniah in  Kota Bharu today.

NONE Mustapa said the perpetrators were taking advantage a recent issue to sow a seeds of discord between both countries and they would not succeed.

Meanwhile, in a related development, trade in agricultural products between between the two countries is not affected despite the protests in Jakarta, said Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Mohd Johari Baharum.

He said business was as usual and there was no reason to curtail import and export of agricultural goods between both countries.

"I think this thing (the protest) is not very serious but the issue was blown out of proportion by irresponsible people to sour the cordial relations between both countries," he told reporters after presenting 1Malaysia notebooks to 500 students in Felda Bukit Tangga, Changlun near Alor Setar yesterday.

Johari said he was confident that diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia would not be affected despite the protests perpetrated by irresponsible people.

"I hope both countries will resolve the problem quickly for mutual benefits," he added.

- Bernama