Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) medical director Dr Prem Nair said India’s hugging saint, Mata Amritanandamayi – fondly known as Amma – has not proposed to set up a hospital in Malaysia.

In a statement emailed to FMT, he said the report may be the “handiwork of some vested interest in the region”.

An association of Amma’s followers had said last weekend a hospital would be built in southern Seberang Perai at a cost of RM2 billion.

Pertubuhan Penganut Mata Amritanandamayi Malaysia trustee and secretary-general K Kalidas was quoted as saying the proposed hospital would be affiliated with the Amrita Hospital in Kerala run by AIMS.

AIMS was founded by Amma, a well-known humanitarian and spiritual leader with a large following in Malaysia.

Kalidas told FMT he would respond to the matter tomorrow.