Esscom commander Hamzah Ahmad said the suspects were arrested in a raid at a workers’ quarters in Ladang Bukit Kertam here last night.

“Several items belonging to one of the individuals, including a divining calendar, knives, a slingshot-type weapon and various amulets, were seized,” he said in a statement today.

Hamzah said intelligence gathered revealed that the group was led by a “master”, assisted by two individuals, who had been actively involved in the teaching of “invincibility and inner power” for about three months.

He added the suspects had recruited about 20 members, all of whom were foreign estate workers from around Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan.

“Esscom advises the public not to be swayed by deviant teachings or propaganda that could pose a threat to peace and public security,” he said, adding that action would be taken against those involved in such activities.