Late Tuesday, officials reported that a star player for Malaysia’s soccer team, Faisal Halim, is in critical but stable condition after suffering an acid attack. The attack left him with fourth-degree burns, causing significant damage. Malaysian soccer authorities stated that Halim’s movement and speech have been impacted, and he will need further surgical procedures.
The incident occurred on May 5 when the 26-year-old was attacked with concentrated sulfuric acid while in front of a shopping mall near Kuala Lumpur, according to Malaysian police reports. The nature of the attack and its consequences have shocked many, highlighting the need for swift action and support for Halim’s recovery.
Halim, who plays as an attacker for Selangor Football Club as well as Malaysia’s national team, was taken to a nearby private hospital in the capital, while still conscious. He had suffered severe burns to his face, neck, shoulders, hands and chest, officials add.
Specialist doctors on Tuesday concluded that Halim had suffered fourth-degree burns, not second-degree burns as previously thought, said officials from the Football Association of Selangor.
“Faisal will now undergo at least two more surgeries as determined by doctors. Currently he is still in the ICU and is being closely monitored by specialists,” deputy president of the association Shahril Mokhtar told the Bernama national news outlet, adding that Halim’s movement and speech had been affected by the attack.
“The left side of his body and arm are severely affected, which affects his movement,” Mokhtar said. “It’s quite bad, he can’t really feel his left arm and couldn’t communicate clearly after surgery. He’s feeling stiff and is unable to talk well.”
The severity of Faisal Halim’s injuries from the acid attack is evident from the description of fourth-degree burns, which indicates damage not only to the skin but also to deeper tissues, potentially reaching the bone.
Photos of Halim post-attack circulated widely online, causing shock and distress among viewers. In the images, he is depicted sitting down, covered with a towel, appearing stunned, while surrounded by police officers and medical personnel. Significant portions of skin had peeled off from his arms and torso, highlighting the extent of his injuries.
This disturbing incident follows another violent attack targeting a Malaysian soccer player earlier this month. Akhyar Rashid, another national team player, was assaulted by armed robbers at his condominium in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Rashid sustained a 4 cm (1.5-inch) gash to his forehead during the incident, according to police reports.
Motive still unknown
Reports of acid attacks are rare occurrences in Malaysia, and the motive behind the recent attack on Faisal Halim remains unknown, according to Malaysian police. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with two individuals, one in his late 30s and the other in his 20s, already detained in connection with the attack.
Several agencies, including the Football Association of Malaysia, the country’s national governing body, have been contacted by CNN for additional information regarding Halim’s condition and any additional safety measures being considered for national team players in light of the incident.
The attack on Halim has prompted concerns from Malaysian politicians, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who visited Halim in the hospital. Anwar strongly condemned the attack and expressed his wishes for Halim’s swift recovery and return to football.
Faisal Halim made his debut for Malaysia’s national team in 2019 and has since played a crucial role in helping the team qualify for significant regional tournaments, such as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. He notably scored in a notable draw against South Korea during the tournament. Additionally, Halim scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Kyrgyzstan late last year.
Halim also plays for Selangor, which finished second in the Malaysia Super Liga last season. The new season of the league is set to commence this month.
