In a statement, the Pahang Forestry Department (JPNP) said 29 people from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur were detained at about 8am at Kampung Rakoh, Pos Lenjang, in Sungai Koyan.

JPNP director Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin said initial investigations found that the group, which said they were sending food aid to the Orang Asli community in Pos Lenjang, entered the Ulu Jelai forest reserve without permission yesterday morning.

“Also detained with the group is the Teratai assemblyman, whose address is in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Selangor.

“Eleven four-wheel-drive vehicles have also been seized,” said Hizamri.

Hizamri said all those detained were taken to the Sungai Koyan police station for medical screening.

They will also be investigated under Sections 47 and 88 of the National Forestry Act, which outlines the requirement for a permit to enter a forest reserve and provides forestry officers the power to arrest, seize and investigate any alleged offence.

Police investigations are also ongoing.