Today’s match featuring the reigning champions and Melaka United FC is the first to see spectators being allowed back into stadiums since the movement control order (MCO) came into effect last year.

The local fans had plenty of reason to cheer as JDT walked away with an easy 3-0 win.

Checks by FMT found that fans started coming at 5pm to queue at the entrance before the gates opened at 6pm. The match only started at 9pm.

Only 2,000 people were allowed in, and all spectators had to have their temperatures taken, use hand sanitisers, and abide by all other Covid-19 rules. No tickets were sold and only season pass holders were allowed inside.

“This is the ‘medicine’ we’ve been waiting for,” said Al Maliki Al-Haj, adding that JDT fans had been looking forward to watching their team play again.

“Finally, the day has come and we can enter the stadium again,” the 50-year-old said, adding fans should have no problem adhering to the Covid-19 rules.

Mohd Faris Haikal Mohd Nazrul, 16, said he and his friends were so excited, they left Mersing at 1PM.

“We haven’t been here for over a year and today, we are finally allowed back in.

“The SOPs (standard operating procedures) are not difficult to follow, we have also been asked to minimise our movements during the match and during halftime.”

Another supporter Nor Shazrin Nor Samsudin, 36, said he was happy that fans were allowed in again despite the SOPs which include wearing face masks at all times and observing physical distancing.

Youth and sports minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican was also at the stadium to monitor the implementation of Covid-19 SOPs.

Tomorrow, the match between Kuala Lumpur FC and Sabah FC at the KLFA stadium in Cheras will also welcome fans.