The authorities will arrest and deport bogus foreign monks who enter the country to solicit illegal donations, a minister said Sunday.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Tan Chai Ho said the imposters dressed in robes worn by Buddhist monks and were seen asking for money at public spots including night markets and eateries.

"The police must detain this group of people and the immigration authorities must deport them to their countries," Tan was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

He said the bogus monks were illegally seeking donations without permits and abusing the terms of their entry visas.

Three pretenders were recently caught by members of the public and handed over to police in Johor Bahru, he said.

Tan, who accused the bogus monks of tarnishing the image of Buddhism, said they were also placing newspaper ads offering to predict winning lottery numbers and tell fortunes.

The government periodically warns Malaysians against bogus monks and other fake spiritual leaders.