Three MPs have called on the government to probe Malindo Air over reports that they asked women to take off their tops during interviews to become stewardesses.

Kota Raja MP Siti Mariah Mahmud said the act was "disgusting" and an insult to women.

"In a modern civilised world, having to show your bodies when asking for work, it is disgusting.

"I ask the Women, Family, and Community Development; Transport and Human Resources ministries to put a stop to this rubbish," Siti Mariah said.

Malindo Air has defended the interview requirement, saying it was the right of the employer to request potential flight attendants to expose their chests to interviewers.

The airline reportedly wanted to see if the women applicants had any scars, pimples or tattoos that could be seen when wearing their flight attendant uniforms.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said this was a form of discrimination, while Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching added that employers could simply ask the women if they had any tattoos or scars.

Teo also called on the police to investigate the matter.

Kasthuri said stewardesses should be picked for their ability to be calm in times of crises.

As for Siti Mariah, she hoped women would not have to stoop to such low levels of having to expose their bodies to get a job.

"I hope all girls, women, men will stand up against this.

"If we tolerate this, more and more employers will practice it," she added.