Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) today clarified that the agency does not support the organising of the 'Second International Congress on Love and Sex with Robots', which said to be held in Iskandar Johor on Nov 16.

The authority, in a statement today, said IRDA was mandated to plan, promote and facilitate the development of Iskandar and hence, would not authorise, sanction or facilitate such an event.

"Iskandar is paving its way towards becoming a strong and sustainable metropolis of International Standing, hence IRDA is selective as to the type of events that is organised in this region.

"Iskandar is a place to invest, work, live and play in harmonious surrounding that ensures the right balance between economic growth, social and environmental obligations," the statement said.

The statement was issued following a report in an online news portal two days ago, which stated the congress would be held at Black Box and White Box arts complex in Medini Mall next to Legoland Malaysia in Iskandar, a major economic hub, here.

The congress was also reported to be chaired by City University London's Prof Adrian Cheok and Intelligent Toys Limited chief officer, Dr David Levy with at least 13 topics for discussion, including Robot Personalities, Teledildonics, Intelligent Electronic Sex Hardware and Gender Approaches.

IRDA said, they had not been informed about the event prior to knowledge through the media.

"Advice has never been sought by the organisers on this event. IRDA will be contacting the organisers to ensure that no association is made to IRDA and Iskandar Malaysia," it added.