SARAWAK will have stricter entry regulations to the State Stadium in Kuching following the violence that erupted after the Malaysia Cup match against Perak.
Social development minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said although it was an isolated case, action will be taken to prevent future incidents.
“We are well known as a peaceful state with lovely and friendly people and the incident was something uncommon here,” said Mawan after The 1st Sarawak Grand Championships at Kelab Golf Sarawak (KGS) in Kuching yesterday.
Mawan, who had just returned from the state national day celebration in Kapit, said he needed to have a meeting with the police, FA of Malaysia (FAM) and other authorities before making any decision.
“We need to look at issues such as the total loss and damages, the real causes and other matters. We will ban blacklisted supporters from entering the stadium if we have to, or even more drastic action such as putting them in jail.
“It is a very regrettable incident as it affected the harmonious image of Sarawak.
“We should learn to calm down as damaging things and turning violent are not the right way to show our support or to show that we love our state.”
On Saturday, five policemen were injured, seven police vehicles damaged, while another police vehicle was completely torched after the match.
The incident broke out at 11pm after the match ended in a 1-1 draw, which also meant that Sarawak had been booted out of the competition. By Goh Pei Pei