KUALA LUMPUR: The Indonesian embassy here has denied claims that it did not assist Manohara Odelia Pinot when she needed help.

The embassy's minister counsellor in charge of information and public relations, Widayarka Ryananta, told the New Straits Times that it had taken several steps to enquire into the well-being of the 17-year-old model.

In an interview with Indonesian television on Sunday, Manohara expressed disappointment with the Indonesian envoy to Malaysia for accusing her of lying when she needed help.

"They said I was lying when I told them that I was not happy. They said I was happy in Kuala Lumpur (and) in Kelantan. But they didn't even check... they did not even call me," she said.

Widayarka explained that on April 6, the embassy had written to the Kelantan palace seeking an audience with the sultan about Manohara.

Widayarka added that the embassy had also taken steps to enquire and resolve allegations that Manohara's mother, Daisy Fajarina, was denied permission to enter Malaysia.

He said the matter was brought up during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's visit to Indonesia recently and it was eventually followed up with the Foreign Affairs Ministry here.

Widayarka said the matter was resolved and Daisy was allowed entry into Malaysia.

He added that on May 6, the Kelantan palace responded to their queries on Manohara and said that she was fine and well taken care of.

He said the Indonesian embassy had explained to the palace on the need for Manohara to maintain communications with her mother, Daisy.

"There is no truth that we did not do anything, we did everything we could, " he said.

-The New Straits Times