A businessman was charged Wednesday with injuring former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad with pepper spray.

Nik Sapeia Nik Yusoff, 53, was charged with injuring four people including Mahathir on July 28, the state Bernama news agency reported.

Mahathir was hit with pepper spray shortly after he arrived in Kelantan, amid a scuffle between two factions of his supporters over whose vehicles would be used to transport him during his visit.

Nik Sapeia was reportedly the leader of one of the factions and a veteran member of the ruling Umno.

Mahathir was hit accidentally by the pepper spray which had been aimed at the leader of the rival group, Bernama said.

Three years' jail

If convicted Nik Sapeia could face a maximum three years' jail or a fine or both.

The incident has caused a sensation in Malaysia, coming amid a bitter row between Mahathir and the new administration led by his chosen successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mahathir's visit to Kelantan had been in doubt.

Some local Umno politicians objected to the trip after he levelled harsh criticisms at Abdullah, whom he has accused of damaging the country.

Kelantan is the only state ruled by opposition PAS.