KUALA LUMPUR: The brawl between football fans at the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station has left many Malaysians upset and angry. They are calling for those involved to be brought to justice.
Some took to social media to voice their unhappiness and even suggested penalties to be meted on those involved.
“This is not acceptable, hope the police will put those involved behind the bars,” said Ben Lau CK.
Another user, Umar nexus, called for them to be paraded once caught so that people know who they are.
“Worst behaviour... make them pay for damages,” the user said.
User Noor Zah described the behaviour as deplorable and embarrassing.
Another netizen proposed that the perpetrators be made to do community work to pay for the damages.
The Star readers also voiced their opinions, calling those involved “an embarrassment”.
Alvin Au said those involved in the brawl should be identified and charged in court.
“Bill them the repair charges and (punish them with) community service,” he commented on The Star’s Facebook post on the brawl.
Ramli Ishak concurred with Au’s views, adding that these fans have to be responsible for the damages caused and paid for it.
Walter Ang noted that while there are laws to prevent vandalism, there is a lack of enforcement.
“That’s why hooligans, gangsters and those bullies roam free. Time and time again they became bolder, coz they think the law is just toothless and they are untouchable (sic),” he wrote.
On The Star’s Instagram page, user epignosismg noted that the authorities should deal with them harshly “so that it’s a lesson for them not to damage public facilities and not to repeat what’s happening in other countries”.
Another user @omasekicha commented: “Catch all of them and put (them) behind bars. Block them from entering into any public transport system.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli said the ministry has yet to receive the full report on the brawl between two groups of football fans.
He said the ministry could not ascertain whether the incident was related to or caused by the match between Malaysia and Singapore on Friday night.
“However, we hope that all fans out there will always maintain the true spirit of ‘Ekor Harimau Malaya’, who are widely regarded as some of the best supporters in the region and the world.
“The ministry has a clear policy of not condoning any reckless or, to some extent, violent behaviour in sports, whether among athletes or fans,” he said in a post on social media site X.
“While we understand that fans can be emotional at times and we appreciate their passion, it is not an excuse for any form of action that may be deemed excessive.
“We urge all sports fans to always uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and show respect for everyone and everything around them. As supporters, we must set a positive example,” he added.
Earlier, a video of about 30 football fans fighting at the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station had gone viral on social media. The brawl had damaged several facilities at the station.
Prasarana Nasional Bhd has lodged a report at the Sungai Besi police station.
“We are working with the police to investigate this matter so that appropriate action can be taken against those involved,” it said, adding that it will not tolerate any violence or aggressive behaviour at stations or inside the trains.
The police are investigating the matter.
