The accused nodded after the charges were read out by judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahya, Utusan Malaysia reported.

No plea was recorded as the case falls under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which is under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

According to the charge sheet, the men allegedly operated as members of Gang TR at a restaurant in Sungai Janggut, Jeram, Kuala Selangor, between November 2019 and May 2 this year.

They were charged under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of between five and 20 years upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Shafiq Hasim applied for the proceedings to be transferred to the High Court, suggesting a timeframe of a month.

Fourteen of the accused have legal representation. The court set June 26 for the next mention.

At a press conference earlier today, Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Shuhaily Zain said police had arrested 21 members of Gang TR, which comprised five different groups.

Shuhaily said 20 of those detained would be charged today, while another member is currently undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute.