Deputy Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassain confirmed that the incident where former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was sprayed with mace at the Kota Bahru airport was linked to the rivalry between his supporters.

According to him, the incident followed an argument between the two groups over who should welcome the former premier.

Earlier, malaysiakini reported that the groups - one led by Kelantan Umno strongman Ibrahim Ali and the other by former Umno Kuala Krai leader Nik Sapeia Nik Yuoff - were fighting over who should host Mahathir's functions in Kelantan.

Elaborating on the incident, Musa said an argument erupted between the two groups when Mahathir was being led to a nearby vehicle.

"At that time a tussle occurred between the faction led by Nik Sapeia who wanted to take Mahathir into his car.

"Then someone sprayed the cannister at Ibrahim Ali's face and Mahathir and his escort were also hit in the process," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Suspect identified

Meanwhile, Musa also disclosed that the person who sprayed the mace has been identified and will be arrested immediately.

The deputy police chief also refuted internet reports that the mace was sprayed by a person clad in a jacket and believed to be from the police special operations force.

He described the internet reports as slanderous and aim to run down the reputation of the police and government.

Musa also warned that the police would take stern action against those who spread false news via the internet and mass media.

Following the incident, many versions were circulating on what had happened at the airport.