Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said spying activities should not be conducted among friendly countries as it will affect existing ties.

He conveyed this message in a meeting with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop in Perth yesterday on the sideline of the 13th Ministers of Indian Ocean Rim - Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) Meeting.

"The foreign minister took the opportunity to raise media reports alleging Australia of conducting spying activities in Malaysia.

"He expressed deep concern over media reports that have raised anger among the public in this country."

In response to the Foreign Ministry statement, Bishop said that it is the policy of the Australian government not to comment on spying issues.

"However, Ms Julie Bishop took note of the concerns raised by Malaysia and assured that the Australia government place high importance on the close bilateral ties with Malaysia," said the statement.

Protest notes

The Foreign Ministry yesterday summoned the United States ambassador and the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia to submit protest notes on alleged spying activities by their representatives in Kuala Lumpur.

Deputy Secretary-General (Bilateral Ties) Ramlan Ibrahim submitted the protest notes to Australian High Commissioner Miles Kupa, and US Deputy Chief of Mission, Lee McClenny since the ambassador was outside Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama