The proceeding before magistrate Nurul Mardiah Mohd Reza started at 11am and ended at 3.30pm.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Zuhaini Mohd Amin said the accused, 78 men and 76 women, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Yesterday, police arrested 238 people who were members of a group called “Dewan Perkasa Ekonomi Islam Nusantara”, following a raid on an illegal settlement in Kampung Hulu Rening, Batang Kali.

In the 5pm operation, police rounded up 154 adults and 85 children, including babies.

Selangor CID chief Fadzil Ahmat said they had been living in plastic tents in a newly-opened area of the forest.

Those found flouting the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) Regulations are liable to a maximum fine of RM1,000, jail of up to six months, or both.

It is learnt that an NGO is making arrangements to pay the fines.

Zuhaini said the children were not charged but were given a warning by police.

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