In a guarded comment on the alleged harassment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Friday said the government is concerned whenever people of the country are in trouble anywhere in the world.

"This is a matter which concerns us. Whenever people of India run into difficulties, it is a source of concern," Singh said.

He, however, refused to speak further on the issue saying Parliament was in session and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee would be making a statement on the matter there.

Singh was asked to comment on the issue at a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who is the current president of the European Union, after their talks.

The issue of the alleged ill-treatment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia has led to demands by political parties for the government to take up the matter with Kuala Lumpur.