KEPALA BATAS: Independent Chinese school SM Chung Ling has filed a police report following slanderous statements on social media regarding the recent visit by university students from the Naval University of Engineering in China.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the report was lodged to prevent further misunderstandings and defamatory remarks.
"It is not true that members of the Chinese navy visited SM Chung Ling. It should be clarified that they are not navy officers, but university students from the Naval University of Engineering in China.
"The visit involved cultural and sports activities between the university students and the school," she told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the National Education Management Conference at Bertam Resort here, today.
Addressing the rumours circulating on social media, Fadhlina said that it was simply an exchange programme between the school and the university.
She also confirmed that the programme had received the necessary approvals from all relevant authorities.
"The cultural and sports exchange is part of a diplomatic initiative celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China," she added.
Yesterday, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that there should be no speculation regarding the visit of two Chinese navy vessels to Penang, as it was conducted through official channels.
He clarified that it was a goodwill visit that included students from the Naval University of Engineering and that the information being shared on social media was inaccurate.
Last weekend, social media was abuzz with photos of Chinese naval training ships in Penang waters.
According to China's Ministry of Defence, the naval training ship Qi Jiguang and the amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan arrived at Penang port last Saturday as part of a three-day goodwill visit.