KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur police have arrested two fans for bringing prohibited items into the Bukit Jalil National Stadium ahead of the FA Cup final between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Selangor FC.
The arrests occurred at Gate C of the stadium entrance during routine checks of fans’ pockets and bags.
Speaking to Scoop, a police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the suspects are currently under investigation and have been banned from attending the match.
“We apprehended these individuals around 3pm today for carrying prohibited items. The gates opened for all fans at 2.30pm and we were conducting bag checks as part of standard procedure,” said the officer.
“The suspects are still under investigation, and we have decided not to allow them to attend the match.
“We are very strict on this matter to prevent any incidents during today’s game. However, this is a temporary arrest, and both individuals will be released after the match.
“We hope for a smooth event today, and we are prepared for any situation. Fans typically cause issues from 8pm onwards, so we are ready.”
On Wednesday, KL police released a list of prohibited items for the match, including firecrackers, helmets, laser pens, sharp objects like metal and wood, and weapons such as parang (machetes) and kerambit (traditional curved dagger).
Other banned items include drugs, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, power banks, bottled water, ice cubes, lighters, matches, and all types of cigarettes, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
Additionally, drones, megaphones, whistles, and drums are prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the Malaysian Football League.
Meanwhile, fans from both sides at the stadium expressed their excitement for the match.
21-year-old Muhammad Malique, a lifelong Selangor supporter, said he believes the Red Giants will overcome their arch-rivals if they perform as well as they did in their semi-final match against Terengganu FC.
“I’m very confident that we will be able to challenge JDT and give them a tough match. They may be at the top of the Super League, but we are capable.
“It’s been a while since we reached the final, and I’m predicting a 2-0 win for Selangor with Alvin Fortes and Faisal Halim on the scoresheet,” said Malique.
Conversely, Suhaimi Salim, who travelled over 300km with his wife and daughter from Johor Bahru to Bukit Jalil, acknowledged Selangor as a formidable opponent but believes the Southern Tigers can easily secure a 4-0 victory.
“We have a strong track record in finals, and I’m confident our run will continue today. Selangor has been performing well, but we don’t want to underestimate them.
“However, I believe we have the edge due to our experience in finals, and I foresee us winning 4-0,” said Suhaimi.
A total of 85,000 fans are expected at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today, with 2,488 police officers from the Kuala Lumpur contingent on duty to ensure security during the match. – August 24, 2024