Police have detained a man after he ran amok in Kulim, Kedah and damaged several temples in Kuala Ketil and Sungai Karangan on Friday afternoon.

Initial investigations revealed the 31-year-old man is suffering from mental problems and had been detained several years ago for the same offence.

State Police chief Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim has urged the public not to speculate and spread rumours about the incident, as this could cause unease among the community.

He said police will continue with investigations to determine the cause of the incident adding the man was still undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Checks at the scene found the damage at the four temples were not serious, he told reporters at the Kulim District Police Headquarters on Friday.

Ahmad said members of the Light Strike Force and Special Branch have also been stationed at sensitive locations around Kulim, Baling and Kuala Muda to prevent any untoward incidents.