KUALA LUMPUR – The perpetrator of the acid attack on national striker Faisal Halim remains at large 42 days after the incident, causing widespread concern among fans and the football community.
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has strongly urged authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
As of today, the suspect is still on the run, despite police releasing a photofit of the suspect on May 19. Furthermore, the motive behind the attack has yet to be determined.
In a statement issued today, Akmal described the incident involving Faisal as a stain on the nation’s football industry. He also demanded severe punishments for those responsible for the attack.
“The recent acts of violence against several football players have cast a dark stain over the nation’s sports scene, particularly within the football industry.
“We were deeply moved when we followed the recent media briefing on the latest developments regarding Faisal a few days ago, which indeed struck a chord with the public.
“Football, once celebrated as a sport that united the nation, is now tainted by violence and extreme fanaticism, which threaten to divide communities.
“Therefore, we earnestly hope that the authorities will take decisive action and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into incidents of violence involving national athletes.
“Incidents like this should not be taken lightly and require stringent law enforcement measures, as they have the potential to recur in the future,” the Melaka state exco posted on his social media account.
The statement was issued together with Selangor exco Mohd Najwan Halimi, Penang exco Daniel Gooi, Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda, Alor Star MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
At the same time, Akmal called upon the Football Association of Malaysia to intervene and address the issue of football-related violence, which has marred the national football scene.
“Violence in sports must be stopped. Proactive steps should be taken by all parties, especially the Football Association of Malaysia, to curb the spread of hooliganism and safeguard the integrity of our country’s football industry,” he added.
On May 5, Faisal was attacked by an unknown individual while shopping with his family at a mall in Petaling Jaya.
The incident left Faisal with severe fourth-degree burns, necessitating multiple surgeries and intensive care unit treatment.
Although he has since been discharged from the hospital and made his first public appearance last Thursday, it’s clear he remains deeply traumatised by the near-fatal ordeal. – June 15, 2024