However there were conflicting accounts about whether they had been issued MCO compound fines of RM10,000.

The women, aged between 17 and 41, and the 25 children were reported to have been arrested while begging at two traffic light junctions.

Accounts of the arrests were widely shared and discussed on social media.

A Sabah news report yesterday quoting district police chief Rohan Shah Ahmad said they had been fined and later arrested for begging, not wearing face masks and not complying with physical distancing orders.

However he was also quoted by Malaysiakini today as saying that no compound notices were issued, and that investigations were being carried out under the Penal Code for committing a negligent act likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life, as well as over MCO offences.

He said that the case must be referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office because the Bajau Laut beggars are stateless.