KUCHING: A football match at Sarawak State Stadium took a chaotic turn last night (Mar 16) when a spectator allegedly threw a firecracker, triggering a loud explosion.
The incident reportedly occurred as Kuching City FC sealed a 2-1 victory over Selangor FC in the Malaysia Super League.
Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed that the 33-year-old man was arrested at around 10.50 pm.
“During a peacekeeping assignment, authorities spotted an individual in the stands hurling an object towards the stadium track.
“Moments later, a loud explosion occurred, suspected to be caused by a firecracker,” he said in a statement.
The local suspect is being investigated under Section 6 of the Explosives Act 1957 for causing an explosion likely to endanger life or damage property.
Upon conviction, he faces up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of RM10,000, or both.
Mohd Farhan urged football fans to refrain from bringing prohibited items, especially explosives, which could disrupt public order and endanger lives.
Witnesses or anyone with additional information are encouraged to contact criminal investigation officer SM Kipli Jeman at 019-6784444 or the Kuching police operations centre at 082-244444.