Harian Metro reported that popular singer Asmawi Ani or Mawi has hit out at those responsible for allegedly distributing a nude photograph of him on the Internet.

The 28-year-old Akademi Fantasia star said he had been informed of the picture by a friend and "had a good laugh" when he saw it.

"The photograph surfaced about two years ago but I was never asked by the media about it. Perhaps certain parties are out to exploit the picture again," he said, adding that he believed those responsible wanted to shame him and his wife.

"If you observe closely, the body in the picture does not match my frame. It is obviously superimposed," he said, describing those responsible as "having nothing better to do".

Mawi said he did not want to think about it as it was difficult to curb such problems as this involved technology.