KUALA LUMPUR – Just days following the assault on Akhyar Rashid near his residence in Kuala Terengganu, yet another national footballer, Faisal Halim, became the victim of an acid attack at a leading shopping mall in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, today.
According to a close source, Faisal, commonly known as Mickey, was enjoying a family outing at a leading shopping mall, indulging in a game of go-kart, when the attack occurred.
While stepping outside for a breather, he was unexpectedly approached and assaulted by a stranger who hurled acid at him.
“Faisal was enjoying a go-kart outing with his family at the mall when he was suddenly attacked with acid upon stepping outside.
“The assailant approached him out of nowhere and launched the acid attack,” the source told Scoop.
Images of the aftermath quickly circulated on social media, depicting Faisal’s melted black shirt strewn on the ground, presumably damaged by the corrosive substance, while his body appeared drenched, likely from attempts to rinse off the harmful liquid.
The source also mentioned the possibility of Faisal skipping the Malaysia League (M-League) curtain-raiser Charity Shield match on May 10 between Selangor FC and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) due to potential injuries suffered from the incident.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh swiftly condemned the violence, urging police to take immediate action against the perpetrators.
“I strongly condemn violence against athletes. No room for violence in sports! I’ve urged @PDRMsia to take immediate action against the perpetrators,” she tweeted.
This incident raises questions about whether there is malicious intent from certain individuals targeting Malaysian footballers.
This incident also comes on the heels of the assault by two unidentified suspects on Terengganu FC winger Akhyar on May 3, who suffered head and leg injuries at his residence in Icon Residence, Kuala Terengganu.
Kuala Terengganu district police chief Azli Mohd Noor reported that the 25-year-old victim was attacked as he exited his car after training at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium around 8.30pm.
He stated that the assailants, clad in face masks and black attire, used an adjustable iron baton to beat the victim. – May 5, 2024