Wisma Putra has called up Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang over his visit to Petaling Street, popularly known as Chinatown, yesterday.

This is after his strongly-worded statements made during his Petaling Street visit, which were seen to be interfering in Malaysia's domestic affairs.

Huang is expected to give an explanation over his statements on Monday, Wisma Putra sources told The Star .

Although Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is currently in New York, it is understood that the Prime Minister's Office has been informed of this summon.

"Malaysia views his (Huang) remarks seriously. It is tantamount to interfering in Malaysia's domestic affairs," an unnamed official was quoted as saying.

Yesterday, Huang and his wife visited Petaling Street to hand out mooncakes to traders there for the mid-autumn festival this Sunday.

He said that China is against all forms of terrorism, as well as racism and extremism which target specific ethnic groups.

"The Chinese government has always pursued peaceful co-existence in international relationship and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"But with regard to the infringement on China's national interests, violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country, we will not sit idly by," Huang said, reading out from a statement after his walkabout in Petaling Street.

His visit came one day before a planned anti-Chinese rally by Malay rightwing groups at the historic landmark.

H owever, the rally was cancelled after the arrest of Malay NGO Coalition leader Jamal Md Yunos.

Jamal yesterday said he is not involved with the rally, but before that, cautioned authorities that a riot is on the cards.

He claimed he was acting as a go-between for the group planning to protest and the government.

He said the protesters want the government to take action against the sale of counterfeit goods at Petaling Street.

There were clashes between a small group of protesters and police at the entrance of the traditionally ethnic Chinese trading area on Sept 16 when protesters attempted to storm the place.

The incident happened during the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally to "defend Malay dignity".

Cops: No sign of red shirts, business as usual in Chinatown

Gerakan: Petaling Street rally all about sowing racial discord

'Petaling Street business down 40pct over red shirts'

Jamal likely to be released tonight, says aide

Pakatan Harapan: Don't turn Petaling Street into feud zone

MCA chief, why not ban democracy as well

And now China, too, has insulted the Malays