Malaysia warned Burma today to free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi or risk intervention from the United Nations or other countries.

"It is wiser for Burma to listen now," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar told reporters.

"This is in the context of Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), it is within our grasp, we can manage it and handle it.

"But if nothing happens, then we are concerned by the possibility that other countries, other regional organisations including the United Nations, may come in to decide their fate, then it will be more difficult."