“The claim is disinformation. Neither the embassy in (Kuala Lumpur) nor the consulate-general in Kota Kinabalu has ever issued any so-called ‘warning’ or ‘threat’ to the state government, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, or any other local authorities regarding the water supply issue, nor have we mentioned any so-called ‘travel advisory’,” it said in a statement.

The consulate-general said it would continue to uphold the spirit of China-Malaysia friendship and mutual cooperation, and strengthen collaboration between the two nations, as well as between China and Sabah, in areas such as tourism, trade, and culture.

It also said it would continue to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

It urged media outlets to base their reporting on facts, to contribute positively to the friendly relations between both sides, and to avoid disseminating unverified information that may mislead the public.