KOTA TINGGI, Oct 9 — The Kota Tinggi police have received a report of a torn and defaced Barisan Nasional (BN) banner featuring the coalition’s candidate Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in Kampung Gembut, Tanjung Sedili near here early today.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Hussin Zamora said a report was received at about midnight on the torn banner that was hung between an electric pole and a signpost located by the junction of Jalan Klinik.

He said police are still investigating the case and have yet to identify the suspect who committed the act.

"Police are constantly monitoring and patrolling around the scene of the incident as well as the entire Kota Tinggi district to curb such criminal activity from occurring,” said Hussin in a statement today.

Earlier today, the BN banner measuring 1.9 metres, was found torn by party volunteers where by former Johor mentri besar Mohamed Khaled’s image was defaced.

The 63-year-old Umno vice president is expected to lock horns in a three-way contest with Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Mohamad Ridhwan Rasman and Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Onn Jaafar.

Hussin said police also advise all individuals or groups to refrain from provocative acts that can threaten the safety and peace in the district.

"Strict action will be taken against any individual involved in such incidents,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and loss or damage to the amount of RM25 or upwards, which provides for a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine or both if convicted.