A man punched Kuala Perlis state assemblyman Mat Hassan below the left eye today after complaining to him about poor business at the Kuala Perlis market, police said.

Kangar Police chief Supt Abdul Rahman Mohd Noordin said the incident happened at 9.15am in Kampung Seberang Tok Pi where Mat had gone to attend a funeral.

He said a 36-year-old man approached Mat, 52, and complained of poor business at the market owing to a Burma bazaar in the area.

Mat said he would have a discussion with the market traders but the man, dissatisfied with the reply, threw a punch, said Abdul Rahman.

He also said that Mat lodged a police report at 11 am.

- Bernama