Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the media should focus on more pressing issues rather than a photograph of him shirtless, which generated controversy on social media.

"I think it is more important to give coverage to more pressing issues," he told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.

Syed Saddiq was asked to respond to the criticism he received over the photograph he posted on his social media accounts, which he has since removed.

The photograph shows the Muar MP undergoing cold water therapy in a bathtub after a football match.

“After scoring the golden goal, I had to immediately soak myself in ice," read the post accompanying the photograph on Twitter.

When asked if he would be more careful with his social media postings in the future, a visibly annoyed Syed Saddiq walked off.

Athletes normally undergo cold water therapy to expedite the healing process following an injury.