![Nine Australian revellers at Malaysia's Formula 1 racing circuit have been jailed after stripping down to reveal ...](/content/dam/images/g/r/u/0/k/k/image.related.afrArticleLead.620x350.gru6t2.png/1475563498869.jpg)
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne's staffer has been caught up in a minor scandal in Malaysia, where Australians have been arrested for wearing Malaysian flag-themed budgie smugglers to the Formula One grand prix.
Nine Australians stripped down to their underwear at the event in Kuala Lumpur and drank alcohol out of shoes after Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who won the race, drank champagne from his boot in celebration.
Treasurer Scott Morrison refused to confirm the identity of Mr Pyne's staffer, Jack Walker, who is pictured among the men, but said the incident was a timely reminder that Australians overseas need to comply with local laws.
"[It's] their rules, you're on their grounds so you've got to comply. The consular officials I'm sure [are talking] to not just ot the one individual you mentioned but to the others who are involved.
![Australian men in Malaysia wear 'budgie smuggler' swimwear/underwear at the Grand Prix before they are arrested ...](/content/dam/images/g/r/u/2/v/k/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1475544316024.jpg)
"It's a timely reminded I'm sure for young people when they travel overseas, know what the laws and rules are and respect them. ," he told 2GB.
The head of the racetrack where the event was held - Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali - said action should be taken against the young men.
"This shows a huge lack of respect to us as Malaysians; this is stupid behaviour from foreigners who have no sense of cultural sensitivity and respect.
"They deserve to be locked up, investigated and taken action against. It embarrasses their own country as well, it gives Australians a bad name," Mr Razlan told the New Straits Times.
Mr Pyne did not deny one of the men was Mr Walker.
How good is this Aussie mate @danielricciardo @AussieGrit #MalaysiaGP @cwoolridge13 pic.twitter.com/vfXAotjWXG
— Brad spohr (@kybra) October 2, 2016
"This matter is being handled appropriately by the Australian high commissioner. Until we have a clearer picture of the process at hand it would be unwise to comment further," a spokesman for the minister said.
The men were arrested at 5pm on Sunday for indecent behaviour in a public place and are aged between 25 and 29, according to Malaysian media reports.
The men were placed on remand for four days from Monday, according to the local police chief.