The police have described as appropriate, the arrest of two Australian journalists who broke through a security cordon and tried to aggressively approach Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuching last Saturday.

Deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said in Kuala Lumpur the action was necessary to protect and ensure the safety of leaders, besides maintaining public order.

"In today's world which is exposed to possible threats by the IS militant group, security of leaders is a priority, hence it (security) must be tightened," he told reporters after witnessing the handing-over of duties to the new Kuala Lumpur police chief today.

Former federal CID (investigations/legal) deputy director, Amar Singh Ishar Singh, 58, was appointed city police chief to replace Tajuddin Md Isa, who was appointed Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department deputy director.

In the 8.35pm incident, the police nabbed the Australians for aggressively trying to approach Najib, who was on an official visit to the Darul Ehsan Mosque at Kampung Haji Baki in Kuching.

They were taken to the Padawan district police headquarters for questioning before being released yesterday on police bail after their statements were recorded.

The Australians, aged 51 and 39, claimed to be reporters from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation based in Sydney.

Denying the duo were linked to the IS group, Noor Rashid said they appeared to be investigative journalists.

"However, their actions was a bit overwhelming, hence we had to detain and question them," he added.

- Bernama