The use of a Pahang Forestry Department four-wheel drive vehicle by Pakatan Harapan, in the Cameron Highlands by-election campaigning, has come under the radar of the Election Commission (EC). 

In a statement today, EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun said the commission takes seriously, the reports lodged against the incident, to see whether those who contested in the poll have violated any by-election laws or code of conduct.

Azhar said that he had entrusted Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim, as an independent observer, to furnish relevant details to the MACC, so that further action can be taken.

"EC was also made to understand that a police report was lodged by the BN candidate (Ramli Mohd Nor)," Azhar added. 

Images of a vehicle with a Harapan flag, plastered on its doors, have gone viral on social media, prompting various quarters to question whether Harapan has abused public resources. 

The Pahang state government had confirmed that the vehicle belonged to the state Forestry Department and demanded its return after the flag incident. 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, had earlier today, claimed that a deputy minister had used his powers to instruct at least five such vehicles to be loaned for an Orang Asli programme and questioned what had happened to the four other vehicles. 

Azhar reminded everyone involved in the election campaign to observe laws, rules and regulation and ethics.

There should be no treating, no handouts of gifts and items, as well as using of government resources and facilities, he pointed out. 

"If such activities occurred during campaigning, stern action will be taken according to the law," he warned.