SHAH ALAM, May 14 — Harimau Malaya and Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim has been transferred to a normal ward after spending almost nine days in the intensive care unit (ICU) following an acid attack recently.
The latest development was shared by Selangor FC Board of Directors member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who said the player remains under close monitoring for follow-up treatment and is still not allowed to accept any visitors.
“Faisal was transferred from the ICU to a regular ward but he still can’t receive any visitors as his condition is quite sensitive.
“The specialist is closely monitoring Faisal’s condition. God willing, the next procedure or surgery will be carried out next Monday or Tuesday,” he said after meeting the specialist treating Faisal at a private hospital here today.
Elaborating, Shahril said Faisal, fondly called “Mickey” by fans, was speaking quite clearly and his appetite had improved.
“I get a voicemail from Faisal almost every day, his speech is getting clearer, that’s important. Secondly, his appetite is also improving. I was told he could have normal food. I heard he is craving nasi kandar,” he said.
Shahril said there has been no updates from police about the acid attack.
“I was made to understand investigations are ongoing… I hope the IGP can provide us with updates from time to time because Faisal is a national hero, he’s a national player who has many fans.
“I hope if there is any information that’s not too sensitive, the authorities will keep us updated,” he said, while confirming that police have recorded two statements from Faisal so far.
On May 5, Faisal suffered fourth-degree burns after being splashed with acid by an unknown individual at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, with the injuries affecting his movements and speech.
The player, who won the Best Goal Award at the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar last January, is expected to be sidelined for at least five or six months, missing out on two matches in the second round of the World Cup 2026/Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan next month.
The incident was the second attack on a national footballer, after Terengganu FC loan player Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid was attacked by two robbers at his residential area in Kuala Terengganu on May 2.
The attacks then took a turn as JDT player Safiq Rahim was assaulted by two men on a motorcycle, who smashed the rear window of his car with a hammer in Johor Bahru on May 7.
— Bernama
