Kuala Lumpur: In a damage-control exercise, Malaysia on March 14 expressed regret over the detention and ill-treatment of over 200 Indian IT professionals and said the allegations made against the police were "serious" that could impair bilateral relations.

Acting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also asked inspector-general of police to personally investigate the incident and report to him by next week, according to official Bernama news agency.

The agency said that Abdullah expressed regret over the incident and said the allegations against the police were "serious" and could impair "the excellent bilateral relations we have with India".

"From the reports that I've read, there're certain facets to the incident which trouble me. I've directed Tan Sri Norian to personally handle the investigations and report to me directly by next week at the latest," Abdullah said in response to questions from Bernama.

PTI