Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is most likely to probe the alleged presence of fighter jets from a neighbouring country in Malaysian airspace.

However, Syed Hamid said his ministry will only take up the matter it receives appropriate advice from Mindef.

He added that matters concerning security and encroachment of Malaysia's territory were monitored and handled by Mindef.

"If there is a complaint of this nature, Mindef is the agency responsible and they will advise us accordingly. Only then we'll take the next step," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Villagers in Johor have complained about the low-flying fighter jets that was causing them much discomfort due to the excessive noise.

A newspaper reported that following complaints from the villagers, Tiram state assemblyman Maulizan Bujang asked the government to explain what was going on.

"And now there is a complaint from one of the state assemblymen. I think Mindef will investigate to see what is the position.

"And if they advise us on the matter, only then we can take action," said the foreign minister.

Dangerous comment

In another matter, Syed Hamid described Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's insulting remark about Malaysia and Indonesia's treatment of their Chinese minorities as "very dangerous".

Lee told a forum held in conjunction with the World Bank-International Monetary Fund meetings in Singapore that Malaysia and Indonesia had problems with their Chinese minorities because they were successful and hardworking and therefore they were systematically marginalised.

"It is not right for the minister mentor to comment and instigate Malaysians or the Malaysian Chinese community that they are being marginalised. Not only it is not true, it amounted to an instigation.

"Why must they want to instigate our citizens to be dissatisfied with the government," said Syed Hamid, adding that he was at a loss as to what was Lee's intention in highlighting the matter.

He said the Chinese community in Malaysia was doing well in all sectors and that they could bring up any concerns themselves.

"I am very disturbed with that remark when racial relations in Malaysia has been good," he said.