JOHOR BARU: Johor police have reassured players and spectators attending the upcoming Charity Shield match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Friday that their safety is of utmost priority.
State police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said that 1,500 officers would be deployed to ensure safety and maintain smooth traffic flow during the football match.
"We guarantee the highest level of safety for players and spectators during the match," he said, adding that stringent security measures would be in place as part of standard protocol.
He emphasised that safety and security would not be compromised, urging football fans to comply with police instructions and refrain from causing any disturbances.
The Charity Shield finals will see Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) face off against runners-up Selangor FC.
Kumar also outlined a series of safety measures implemented for the event, all in accordance with standard operating procedures.
"Safety and security are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved," he said.
He assured that necessary measures would be taken to achieve this goal, including team escorts and traffic monitoring.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported that JDT and national player Safiq Rahim, 36, had his Honda City damaged by two men armed with a hammer, last night.
There had been a spate of attacks against national footballers, with Safiq's incident being the most recent.
Selangor FC player Faisal Halim suffered fourth-degree burns when two men on a motorcycle splashed acid on him while he was at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya on Sunday, while Terengganu player Akhyar Rashid was assaulted and robbed by two men in Kuala Terengganu as he was getting out of his car after a training session last week.
On Safiq's incident, Kumar urged the public not to speculate and spread unfounded allegations that could cause fear or negative perceptions.
"We are conducting thorough investigations and leaving no stones unturned, to get to the bottom of it.
"It is too early to establish if the previous alleged attacks of other players are related… let us do our job.
"We are scrutinising available CCTV recording or dashcam recording of motorists in the vicinity.
"I assure the public that Johor is safe, and we are working around the clock," he said.
