Taiwan today called on the Malaysian authorities to investigate a claim by a businessman who accused the Malaysian police of illegally detaining and torturing him, officials said.

"We requested the Malaysian government to launch an investigation into the alleged abuse of Mr Chen Pao-chao during his 43-day detention," said Taiwan's foreign ministry spokesman Michel Lu.

Chen has accused the Malaysian police of torturing him in order to force a confession on drug charges after he was arrested on Dec 1 last year while on a business trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said he was released on Jan 13 due to a lack of evidence and returned home last week.

Chen suffered from hearing loss and injuries to his spine and genitals and has been hospitalized since his return, Lu said.