Malaysia today dismissed fears of growing Islamic radicalism in Southeast Asia, but said the region was experiencing a renewed interest in the faith.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moeller broached the issue on his visit here - the first since last year's global furore over published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

"There is no increase in radicalism but there is a resurgence of people wanting to know more about one's cultural heritage, history and religion, but this should not be equated to radicalism," Syed Hamid said after their talks.

"If you want to know more about your religion or practice your religion, it does not mean you want to become radical or extreme."

Muslim-majority Malaysia has said that Denmark sought its help to ease the worldwide fallout over a Danish newspaper's publication of the cartoons which were deemed offensive by many Muslims.

Syed Hamid said the issue of Islamic radicalism had been raised by Moeller after reports that Southeast Asia had become a hotspot for terrorism.

"It's quite natural for him to ask how do we, countries in this region ourselves, feel about it, perceive it," Syed Hamid said.

"What we need to handle is to look at the root causes, the human shortcomings and failures rather than blaming the religion. The religion has nothing to do with it," he added.

Malaysia, the current chair of the 57-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference, promotes a moderate version of Islam that emphasises economic and scientific development.

Moeller, who is on a tour of Southeast Asia, arrived in Malaysia late Tuesday and is due to leave on Thursday.