The police have detained a man for allegedly punching a Batu Wanita Umno committee member in front of the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Sedaka in Yan this morning.

The suspect, in his 20's was picked up in Ulu Sedaka about 3.30pm. He has since been released on police bail.

Kedah police chief Ahmad Ibrahim said the police sought the suspect after Bandar Baru Sentul Wanita Umno chief Norsidah Abu Bakar lodged a report about 11am, alleging assault by a PAS supporter.

He said this at a media conference in the Yan police headquarters.

Ahmad said that 155 police reports had been lodged since the Sungai Limau by-election nomination day on Oct 23, until the casting of votes ended at 5pm today.

Asked whether the former Kedah menteri besar's wife, Faekah Sheikh Hamzah lodged a police report on allegations of irresponsible parties disseminating SMS messages using her name, the police chief replied in the negative.

The Sungai Limau by-election today, saw PAS retaining the Sungai Limau state seat with a reduced majority of 1,084 votes.

Its candidate, Mohd Azam Abd Samat, 37, garnered 12,069 votes against Barisan Nasional's Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 52, who polled 10,985 votes.

- Bernama