The black-clad group that gathered in front of Istana Negara last week claiming to be the rightful heirs to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been handed to the religious authorities for further action, according to the police.

Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Ku Chin Wah said the group is harmless and will not be facing criminal proceedings.

"Our findings show they are not violent or a threat. They are lost in deviant teachings.

"They will not face any charge but we will hand them over to the religious department for further action," Ku is quoted as saying in today's English language daily theSun.

The group of 10 arrived at the palace gates on Aug 5 in three cars, claiming to be heirs to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and demanded entry.

They claimed to be from "Kumpulan Panji Hitam" of the so-called "Timur Empayar Langkasuka Nusantara".

Palace guards then summoned the police, who detained the group and seized 13 flags bearing writings in the Jawi script and some documents of allegiance from them. No weapons were found among their possessions.