Two journalists from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) were arrested while on duty in Kuching, Sarawak last night.

The ABC in a report this morning, said reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louis Eroglu from the ‘4 Corners’ programme, were detained while approaching Najib on the street, but have been released without charge.

Their passports, however, have been reportedly seized and they were prevented from leaving Malaysia.

The ABC quoted 4 Corner’s executive producer Sally Neighbour who said on Twitter that the arrests were related to the crew's reporting of corruption allegations involving Najib.

Sarawak police, meanwhile, said that the duo were arrested for allegedly breaching a police security line and “aggressively approaching” Najib during his official visit to the Darul Ehsan Mosque at Kampung Haji Baki, Kota Sentosa, Sarawak.

Sarawak CID chief Dev Kumar in a statement this morning said a local police officer had lodged a report against the duo.

“The incident occurred at about 8.35pm. Both subjects, aged 51 and 39 years old were brought to the Padawan Police District for questioning.

“Checks show both of them arrived in Malaysia through KLIA on March 5. They arrived in Kuching on March 12 and claim to be covering the official visit of the Prime Minister to Sarawak,” he said.

Dev also confirmed that both of them were released on police bail this morning after their statements were recorded.

He added that the case is investigated under section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his public functions.

Najib’s function was reportedly held in conjunction with his three-day visit to Sarawak which ended yesterday.

Amidst criticisms that the visit was a strong indication of an impending state-election, Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem had reportedly pointed out how Najib had visited the state 46 times since appointed to office in 2009.

Adenan also said that no other prime minister had visited Sarawak as often as Najib.

The Sarawak state legislative assembly would automatically dissolve on June 20 and elections must be called on or before Sept 20.