SHAH ALAM: Immediate arrests will be made against football fans who attempt to bring in explosive materials into Stadium Shah Alam during the Kedah vs Selangor Piala Malaysia (Malaysia Cup) finals on Sunday.
Police have issued a stern warning to fans from both sides of the divide not to bring with them prohibited items which include flares, firecrackers, fireworks and sharp weapons, as they will be arrested on the spot and investigated under the Explosives Act 1957.
Fans will be subjected to stringent body checks at the entrances of the stadium and items such as lighters, umbrellas as well as bottled beverages will be confiscated.
Lighting up flares outside the stadium before the game kicks off at 9pm is also forbidden, said Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shafien Mamat.
He added that Kedah and Selangor fan clubs are allowed to bring seven hand drums each to liven up the atmosphere, but they will be subjected to strict security checks.
Speaking at a press conference at the Shah Alam district police headquarters today, Shafien said 2,093 police officers and personnel will be stationed at the stadium on Sunday.
The force will be strengthened with enforcement from the General Operations Force, the Shah Alam City Council, the Fire and Rescue Department, the police K9 unit and mounted units, as well as a security team provided by the organiser, he added.
"Gates A and D have been designated for Selangor fans, and for Kedah fans, they are to enter via Gate B and C. All gates will be opened from 4pm onwards. A total of 72,000 Kedah and Selangor fans are expected to flood the stadium and I call on everyone to adhere to instructions issued by security officers and personnel.
"I ask that in the spirit of sports, let's all watch the game in peace and not create chaos, because children and students are among the spectators at the game. There will be police officers and personnel who are members of a special task force placed among the spectators to keep watch and ensure all goes smoothly," said Shafien.
He also advised fans to enter the stadium as early as possible to avoid congestion at the last minute.
Over 5,000 car park bays are available in the vicinity of the stadium, as well as more than 300 spots for buses, which will be manned by traffic police.