Langkawi is expected to be one of the hotspots during the coming general election as speculation is rife former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be contesting the parliamentary seat.

In view of this, Langkawi district police chief Ghazali Che Awang said immediate action would be taken to curb any untoward incidents which could lead to chaos.

He said thorough preparations had been made to face the situation, including monitoring of material disseminated on social media.

“The police will act immediately based on existing laws and I ask all parties not to use the social media to post materials that can incite provocation,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Last week, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said 1,100 potential troublemakers would be monitored during the election period.

"We will only take action if the need arises. They include those who will perform surprise last-minute attacks and who may drop so-called 'bombshells'," he added.

Mohamad Fuzi said among the potential fake news that might be spread during the election are the existence of phantom voters and supposed Islamic State attacks.

He revealed that more than 100 hotspots during the coming polls have also been identified.

The coming general election has been described as the “mother of all polls” and would witness the return of Mahathir to active politics.

The former premier, who stepped down in 2003 after more than decades in office, is the chairperson of Pakatan Harapan and the opposition coalition's prime minister-designate.