PUTRAJAYA - The Chinese embassy in Malaysia will investigate allegations of Chinese national tour guides operating in the country, especially in Langkawi and Penang, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian said on Friday (Feb 2), Bernama reported.

Commenting on media reports quoting local tour guides that more and more Chinese tour guides were operating in Langkawi and Penang, thus affecting their income, Mr Bai said: "I just learned of this. I will direct the Chinese Consulate in Penang to investigate the allegation."

"In principle, we reject actions that affect the local tourism industry," he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Plantation and Commodity Industries Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

Local tour guides have reportedly urged the authorities to take action against unauthorised foreign guides who provide incorrect and confusing information to tourists.

Meanwhile, Mr Bai hoped that Malaysia and China would continue to work together to enhance the tourism industry in both countries.

Last year, he said more than 2.5 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia.

"Malaysia is a favourite tourist destination for Chinese citizens. The beauty of its beaches, shopping haven, heritage sites like Melaka are among the main attractions for Chinese tourists. It is expected that more tourists (from China) would be visiting Malaysia this year," he added.