SHAH ALAM – Harimau Malaya and Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim was transferred to a regular ward today after spending approximately nine days in the ICU following an acid attack.
Selangor FC board member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar shared this update, emphasising that Faisal will continue to receive close monitoring for further treatment and is currently not permitted to have visitors.
“Today, Faisal was moved from the ICU to a standard ward. However, visitors are still restricted due to the sensitivity of the situation.
“Alhamdulillah, his condition is stable. Specialists closely monitor him, and the next procedure or surgery is scheduled for next week, likely Monday or Tuesday,” he said when met after a meeting with the specialist who is treating Faisal at a private hospital here, today.
Shahril mentioned that Faisal, affectionately known as Mickey, is showing signs of improvement.
“I communicate with Faisal via voice notes almost daily, and his speech is becoming clearer, which is encouraging.
“Additionally, his appetite has increased. He can now consume a normal diet and has expressed cravings for dishes like nasi kandar,” Shahril added.
Regarding the investigation into the incident, Shahril expressed hope for thoroughness and transparency from the authorities.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to provide periodic updates on the case due to Faisal’s national stature and large following.
Shahril confirmed that the police had interviewed Faisal twice.
On May 5, Faisal sustained fourth-degree burns in an acid attack at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya, impairing his mobility and speech.
As a result, the recipient of the Best Goal Award at the 2023 Asian Cup is expected to be sidelined for five to six months, causing him to miss upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan.
This incident marks the second unfortunate event involving a national footballer, following an assault on Terengganu FC loanee Akhyar Rashid on May 2.
Subsequently, another incident occurred when two individuals on a motorbike smashed the car window of Johor Darul Ta’zim player Safiq Rahim with a sledgehammer in Johor Bahru on May 7, escalating concerns about the safety of footballers in the country. – May 14, 2024