KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities will ramp up security at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium ahead of the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta’zim and Selangor FC tomorrow as around 80,000 fans are expected to fill the venue.
Although the number of personnel stationed around the stadium was not disclosed, Cheras police chief assistant commissioner Zam Halim Jamaluddin said it will be more than that of the FA Cup final that took place in September, which saw more than 1,000 security details deployed.
“After the FA Cup final, there was the Kanjuruhan stadium incident in Malang, and recently there was the incident at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.
“To avoid any unwanted events, we will be deploying more personnel to manage the situation at the stadium,” he said at a press conference today at Bukit Jalil.
After the second leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final between Terengganu and Selangor, the visiting Red Giants had their team bus pelted by stones and other objects upon leaving the stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
Zam said there will be plain-clothed officers stationed among spectators to make sure that no provocation of any sort occurs during the final.
“We also have departments that monitor social media for any potential groups that may plan to cause issues or provoke the opposite team.
“For now we have not found any but this matter is not taken lightly.
“Sports is a platform to unite people, not split them up and cause unwanted incidents,” he said.
He added that authorities will conduct full body checks for fans as well as bag checks, and have prohibited items such as fireworks, helmets, laser pointers, weapons, umbrellas, walking sticks, power banks, lighters, and electronic cigarettes from being brought into the stadium.
“All stadium gates will be opened at 5pm for kick-off at 9pm and we advise spectators to be wary of prohibited items when they enter the venue.
“We have also been told that Prasarana will extend their service hours to 1am to allow fans to take public transportation home after the match is over.”
Zam also advised those who are not going to the stadium for the match to avoid using the surrounding roads to reduce traffic congestion.
“Spectators will not be allowed to park on the roadside or around the entrance and exits leading to the stadium. Authorities will not hesitate to issue summons or even tow the vehicle away,” he added.
Road closures starting at 4pm will involve Jalan Barat and Persiaran ISN to allow smoother traffic flow around the facility.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malaysia security committee deputy Md Dali Wahid warned spectators to not bring political flags that could provoke other fans in or around the stadium.
“Don’t bring in flags or anything of that sort that could provoke others. Sometimes there are other groups that may want to instigate unwanted scenarios.
“Authorities will take stern action for those that break the law. Everyone should come to the stadium to enjoy football and support their teams,” he said.
Previously, the Malaysian Football League had announced that the Malaysia Cup final tickets will be priced the same as the September 10 FA Cup final.
The Malaysia Cup final kicks off tomorrow at 9pm. – The Vibes, November 25, 2022.
