In a statement, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said the duo, both Malaysians aged 29 and 37, were stopped at about 4.40pm while trying to enter Gate 3 of the palace in their car.

He said police found a parang in the car, but the duo had tested negative for drugs.

“They were attempting to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Rusdi said, adding that the duo have been remanded for four days until May 21 for further investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 447/511 of the Penal Code for criminal trespass, and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for carrying offensive weapons in public places.

Urging the public not to speculate and share unverified news, Rusdi directed anyone with information to contact the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115-9999 or the nearest police station.