KUALA LUMPUR: Police have listed 17 items that are prohibited from being taken into the stadium for the FA Cup football final between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor FC, scheduled for this Saturday.
City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said security measures will be strengthened both inside and outside the stadium to ensure safety before, during, and after the match.
"Searches will be conducted at the entrances and inside the stadium. Officers will inspect both individuals and all bags carried.
"If any of these items are detected, they will need to be left at the entrance," he said in a press conference after presenting medals at an award ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur contingent headquarters today.
He listed the prohibited items as firecrackers, helmets, laser pens, sharp objects such as metal and wood, and weapons like parangs and kerambits.
Additionally, drugs, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, power banks, bottled water, ice cubes, lighters, matches, and all types of cigarettes, including e-cigarettes and vapes, are not allowed.
Drones, megaphones, whistles, and drums are also banned unless prior approval is obtained from the Malaysian Football League.
Meanwhile, with an estimated attendance of 85,000 spectators, Rusdi said police will deploy nearly double the number of personnel compared to last year, increasing from 1,500 to 2,488 officers.
"As of yesterday, a total of 72 auxiliary police officers will be stationed on the trains. We have a larger team, including People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), fire and rescue departments, and stadium marshal units, totaling around 300.
"We have 2,488 personnel on duty, up from 1,500 previously. This represents a 75 per cent increase, which is a significant number," he said.
Rusdi added that this time, the police will employ a different deployment strategy, incorporating mobile units and Urban Response Vehicles to ensure their presence is visible and to ensure compliance among spectators.