Pop star urged to pull out of a Malaysian concert

The Southampton-born R'n'B singing star is due to perform in Penang, Malaysia on 11 October, as part of his world tour.

But health campaigners fear he is unaware Salem, one of the concert's sponsors, is a popular cigarette brand in East Asia.

Deborah Arnott, director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: "Tobacco sponsorship is outlawed in the United Kingdom. Why would Craig David want to do the industry's dirty work in Malaysia?"

But a spokesperson for the 21-year-old singer said: "There is no advertising of any kind that we have seen that includes both Salem and Craig David.

"To this end Craig David is not promoting or condoning smoking or cigarettes."

He also added the singer was not the headline artist for the event - restricted to over 18-year-olds - in Malaysia which will feature other performers, DJs and a fashion show.

Craig became the youngest ever British male artist to hit the number-one spot in the British charts with his debut single "Fill Me In", released in March 2000.

Salem is made by Japanese Tobacco International, which also produces Camel, Mild Seven and Winston.

The brand's spokesman defended the Salem sponsorship.