(AFP) The government today denied accusations that it is a key staging post for people-smuggling into Australia.

Citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran do not need visas for entry here but the country cannot stop tourists arriving legally simply because of Australian concerns, an official said.

"Admittedly citizens from those countries need no visa to enter Malaysia and can stay here for two weeks. This we cannot prevent," Home Ministry secretary-general Aseh Che Mat said.

"We are a friendly country. Citizens of several countries do not need visas to enter Malaysia, although not all countries."

The Bernama news agency said Aseh was responding to Australian news reports suggesting Malaysia was a jumping-off point for a people-smuggling pipeline through Indonesia.

The row follows international criticism of Australia for turning away a shipload of illegal immigrants, mainly Afghans, rescued at sea by a Norwegian vessel on August 26.

Scapegoats

On Monday, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar rapped Australian Prime Minister John Howard for accusing Malaysia of not cooperating in the fight against illegal immigration.

Syed Hamid described Howard's allegation as "unreasonable and not based on facts. When subject to international criticism, you try to find scapegoats".

Aseh said the immigration department had done its utmost to ensure that foreigners with ulterior motives did not enter the country.

"Each day we bar foreign tourists whom we suspect," Aseh said.