Bersih has called out Pakatan Harapan's Miri MP Michael Teo for treating underprivileged children from five schools in Rantau to free food coupons amounting to RM75,000 ahead of the state constituency by-election.

In a statement today, the electoral watchdog said Teo had violated Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 and other provisions which dealt with undue influence by treating and offering handouts "before, during and after an election".

Bersih said the interpretation of "before an election" should start the moment a constituency is declared as vacant, instead of from nomination day.