Malaysian minister forced to clarify comments suggesting Malaysia has no gay people

Malaysia's tourism minister has denied the existence of gay people in the country, according to reports in German media.

Ahead of attending the ITB Berlin travel fair, Tourism Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi told German reporters that he wasn't aware of gay people in the Muslim‑majority Southeast Asian country.

He also sidestepped a question concerning the safety of LGBT and Jewish travelers in the country, according to the broadcaster.

Mohamaddin later posted a statement on Twitter stating that his response to the reporter's question referred to the non‑existence of specific LGBT‑focused tourist campaigns in the country.

He added that the country adopts an open policy in welcoming foreign tourists and would "never (place) any unnecessary obstacles to our guests based on their sexual orientation, religion and cultural practices."