Malaysian supporters must upkeep country's image when in Singapore for SEA Games

The behaviour of unruly fans and supporters during local and international football matches were among concerns raised by the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.

Based on a number of incidents involving Malaysian fans and supporters during the AFF Suzuki Cup and local competition (M-League) were highlighted by the deputy High Commissioner to Singapore, Kamsiah Kamaruddin.

Kamsiah said fans, supporters and even players should maintain the image of the country when competing in the Singapore SEA Games.

"Football is one of the sports that will be the main focus and we expect Malaysia fans to come to Singapore to support the national team. A number of incidents in M-League matches has received wide coverage in Singapore as well.

"Such incidents have more or less tarnished the image of the country. Therefore, we hope fans and supporters can follow the rules and regulations set by the organisers to maintain the image of the country," said Kamsiah during a visit by the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM), here Sunday.

A delegation from SAM are on a working visit to Singapore, the host of the SEA Games, to have a first hand look at preparations and facilities, including the media centre.

Football is among 36 sports included in the programme for the SEA Games in June, while Malaysian athletes will be competing in 35 sports, including football which offers the most treasured gold medal in the Games.

In the football competition, Malaysia are drawn in Group B with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste while Singapore head Group A with Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Kamsiah also urged fans who come in groups to Singapore, to plan their journey and inform the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore to ensure a smooth process at the entry points.

"We hope Malaysian supporters will come in big groups and inform the High Commission early so that we can assist in any way possible at the Causeway in Johor or the second link in Tuas because we have a good working relationship with the Singapore authorities," she said.

Bernama were made to understand that the Malaysian contingent will use the second-link and enter Singapore by bus through Tuas due to the congestion at the Causeway.

The 35-member SAM delegation which entered Singapore through the Causeway had also endured a two-hour duration to clear the Immigration and Customs check points.