Rompin police chief Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said the four men and 17 women, between 26 and 60 years of age, were detained after the cops received a report from a party claiming to have been appointed to develop the land.

“A representative of the company lodged a police report regarding a group of Orang Asli believed to have trespassed on the 718.281-hectare plantation, damaged a metal barrier and harvested oil palm fruit without permission,” he said in a statement today.

He said the case was being investigated under Sections 447 and 427 of the Penal Code, adding that anyone intending to develop land must possess a valid land title.

He also reminded members of the public to abide by the laws and regulations currently in force.