Sabah police arrested Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah for distributing flyers in Langkon, Kota Marudu, today, according to Bersih's official Twitter account.

She was brought to Kota Marudu district police headquarters for questioning and was subsequently released on bail.

"Police also threatened to arrest those who took Bersih flyers," said the electoral reform movement.

Earlier, Bersih supporters gathered outside the police headquarters in solidarity with Maria while she was being detained.

They also held up yellow "Free Maria" placards.

In a video uploaded by Bersih later, Maria said she was being probed under Section 11 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

Section 11 requires every publication printed or published within Malaysia to bear the name and address of the printer and publisher.

Maria said Bersih did comply with this rule.

"If you look at our leaflets, the address of Bersih is listed there.

"We will see, let them charge (me)," she said.

She also criticised police for taking down the identity card numbers of those who had received the Bersih flyers.

"Police abused their power by taking down the identity card numbers from those who received flyers from Bersih.

"It's harassment and we will take action," she said.

Meanwhile, Kota Marudu police chief Supt Mohd Izaan Abdullah confirmed Maria was detained at 1.45pm.

She was released on police bail at 4.15pm, after police concluded their investigations, he told Bernama.

"Maria Chin was arrested... she is suspected to have committed an offence under Section 11 of the Printing Machines and Publications Act 1984," he was quoted saying.

Bersih is presently on a nationwide roadshow to promote the Bersih 5 rally slated on Nov 19.

The rally will call for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation over the 1MDB scandal.

Najib had denied wrongdoing or taking public funds for personal gain.

The Bersih 5 rally is expected to take place at Dataran Merdeka but will be accompanied by satellite rallies in several states and countries.