Aussies arrested in Malaysia a reminder for travelers to respect local laws: FM

Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Wednesday reminded traveling Australians to obey the laws and respect the customs of the countries they visit, following the arrest of nine Australian men in Malaysia at the weekend.

Bishop said the "premeditated" action of the men stripping down to their "budgie smugglers" - or tight-fitting swimwear - should serve as a warning for other Aussies abroad to be aware of and respect local customs.

The nine men face a possible jail term of up to six months for indecently exposing themselves at the Sepang Grand Prix Circuit in Malaysia, and Bishop told the Nine Network that while it might be considered harmless behavior in Australia, it was frowned upon in the Southeast Asian nation.

"They are facing certain charges and what might be seen as a foolish prank or Aussie 'blokey behavior' in Australia can be seen very differently in another country," Bishop said on Wednesday.

"As I constantly remind Australians travelling overseas, you are not subject to the laws of Australia, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting.

The men were arrested following countryman Daniel Ricciardo's win at the Malaysian Grand Prix. They were filmed stripping down to their budgie smugglers which featured the Malaysia flag, something described by Malay authorities as showing a "lack of respect" towards local customs.

Bishop said it was not up to the government to bail tourists out of trouble if they break the law in another country. Endit