Thanks to the improving COVID-19 situation throughout Malaysia in recent weeks, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) has recently announced that the remainder of the 2021 Malaysia Cup campaign will be played with the return of fans and supporters to the stadiums, beginning with matchday three of the group stage, this October 29.

Selangor FC too is glad to welcome back the Red and Yellow faithful to its current home, the MBPJ Stadium for the 100th year edition of the competition.

The Red Giants' next home match is on Saturday, October 30, against Kuching City FC, with tickets sold on the club website beginning October 24. As this is a Tier 2 clash, the ticket prices are set at RM20 for the open stands, and RM25 for grandstand seats, not including handling charges.

Each fan is only permitted to purchase two tickets, and each ticket holder's identity card or passport number must be provided in the transaction. More info will be provided later, especially on the other remaining group match to be held at MBPJ, against Terengganu FC.

For now the club can confirm that due to the need to maintain social distancing in the stands, only 4,500 fans will be allowed in. Furthermore, although clubs have been allowed by MFL to let fans back in the beginning in the ongoing friendly matches, Selangor FC fans' return will only commence in the Kuching City encounter. Any Selangor FC-organised friendly matches taking place between now and October 30 will still be held behind closed doors.

However, the return of fans must take place according to the health and safety standard operating procedures (SOP) placed by MFL and the National Security Council. It is imperative that Selangor FC and fans comply with them, not only to avoid sanctions but also to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

As announced earlier by MFL, only fans aged 18 or above who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination will be allowed to enter the stadium. Persons Under Surveillance (PUS), Persons Under Investigation (PUI), and fans displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms or with a body temperature above 37.5 Celcius too will not be admitted. Meanwhile, those aged 60 or above are discouraged from attending matches. 

Here are further reminders to ensure everyone's safety at the MBPJ Stadium:

- A face mask needs to be worn properly and social distancing must be maintained at all times in and around the stadium.

- Bring your identity card or passport with you, as well as proof of complete vaccination in the form of a vaccination card or a digital vaccination certificate (such as Mysejahtera).

- Toilet and prayer space will only be accessible before kick-off and while the match is taking place. They will be closed during half-time and extra time half-time (during knockout stage matches) to avoid congestion and crowding.

- No food and drinks will be sold at the stadium while eating and drinking too are prohibited, so fans must ensure that they are sufficiently refreshed and hydrated before entering the stadium.

- Seating arrangements in the stands will adhere strictly to the MFL guidelines in order to maintain social distancing.

- Admittance of supporting equipment such as drums and banners is subject to police approval, and the instruments must be sanitized before they are brought in.

- Spitting and clearing your nose are strictly prohibited.

- Please follow all instructions and information provided here and displayed at the stadium later, as well as those given by matchday stadium officials.

- After the final whistle, fans will be ushered to the exit promptly in an orderly fashion, and they must refrain from gathering at the stadium entrance. They are also advised to leave the area immediately to minimize the risk of infection.

Selangor FC too would like to take this opportunity to encourage fans who have not completed their vaccination, to do so as soon as possible so that they may start attending the Red Giants' matches again to cheer the team on.

While the requirements above are admittedly a little restrictive, there is nothing more important to the club than the safety and well-being of its personnel and loyal supporters. Hence, it is important for everyone to adhere to the matchday SOP. Furthermore, it is hoped that by doing so, we will not only help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia altogether but also speed up the return of full-capacity matchday attendance for Red Giants fans of all ages in the near future.

Demi kebanggaan.