Don't be obsessed with search for hidden treasures - Malacca CM

He said such obsession could make them do things contrary to religion.

Idris said his interest and that of the state government in the hidden treasures on the island were based on the premise that it was no harm trying to look for the valuables.

"If we find anything, it is good. If we do not find anything, it does not matter," he told Bernama Tuesday.

He said the people's passion for mysteries involving hidden treasures, secret islands and sunken vessels had made the hidden treasures of Pulau Nangka a hot topic of conversation among the people.

Idris said the real treasure was the investment coming into the state that brought economic prosperity to the people.

The state government would not derive any direct monetary benefit from the findings, if any, because it would not be able to sell the treasures, he said.

"We have regulations governing the management of artifacts. All treasures found will have to be surrendered to the relevant authorities," he said.