Two Australian reporters were arrested by the police last night for defying police orders in a function attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Kampung Haji Baki, Sentosa, Kuching.

Sarawak CID chief Dev Kumar said the two reporters had crossed security lines and had aggressively tried to reach Najib at the event.

“The incident took place at about 8.35pm. Both of them are detained for failing to follow police orders not to cross the security lines,” he said in a statement.

The duo were taken to Padawan police station for questioning before being released today.

The case is being investigated under section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from discharging their duty.

Meanwhile, Australia news channel ABC confirmed on its website that reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louis Eroglu were arrested last night in Kuching while covering Najib’s event.

Najib is on a working trip to Sarawak.