Khairullah Samad, 22, from Kampung Bukit Layat and Mohd Zuki Ismail, 39, from Kampung Bintang, who were seeking shelter in a tent erected under the tree, died on the spot.

The incident was believed to have occurred around 9am.

It took the search team about three hours to bring out the bodies, retrieved from a hill situated deep in the jungle, to the nearest main road.

It was learnt the duo had gone into the jungle about 8pm on Saturday, in search of wood, while accompanied by several friends.

Khairullah’s brother, Mahassan, 59, said the victim had initially gone into the jungle with several friends, who later split into smaller groups.

“The last time I saw him was over a month ago but today, I received the tragic news he was crushed to death by a tree,” he said when met here yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu police deputy chief, Superintendent Sufian Sulaiman said the police were alerted about the incident at 5.15pm.