By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, June 13 — An emotional Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim held a press conference in his first public appearance since a May 5 acid attack that left him hospitalised and requiring multiple surgeries.
The Selangor FC star winger, fondly known as Mickey, could not hold back his tears as he addressed the media today, saying he was willing to give up his salary and dreams of playing football for the state and country if it meant his family would be safe.
Recalling the tragic incident, the national footballer said it left him and his family scared for their well-being, especially as they do not know why he was attacked.
“I would have given up my salary in the tens of thousands of ringgit and not play football ever again if it would keep my family safe.
“I don’t mind even returning to my kampung and working to earn RM50 or RM100 a day, just to ensure my family and I are safe,” he said in a special press conference at the Selangor FC training centre here.
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Selangor FC board member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar (second from left) speaks at a press conference for team star winger Faisal Halim, who was attacked with acid on May 5, at the Selangor FC training centre in Shah Alam on June 13, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Later, when asked about his injuries, Faisal again wept, saying before he was cleared by doctors on May 28, he was unable to hold his son, especially as he feared for his family’s safety.
“I can’t imagine not being able to hold my son. Only in the past few days have I been able to hug him.
“I have come to terms with what has happened, but moving forward, I hope I can be back on the field. That would be my gift to my son,’’ he said as he held back tears.
“Honestly, I really miss football, both training and playing. It’s not easy for me to be stuck at home, just watching the Selangor and Malaysia teams play on television. My legs are trembling, and my heart is yearning to play.
“But, for now, I have to focus on the recovery and rehab process before I can rejoin the team. There are several recovery processes I have to undergo before the doctor confirms I can return to the field. It has been a long time since I last played, and there are surely many things I need to do, such as strengthening my muscles and improving my movements.
Despite his injuries, Faisal thanked the state royal family, Selangor FC, the state and federal governments, his family, and fans for their support, saying it has motivated him to return to the pitch.
At the press conference, Faisal was flanked by Selangor FC board member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, Selangor FC chief sport medicine doctor Dr Muhammad Hazwan Khair, and his lawyer Mohd Haijan Omar.
Faisal recalled Shahril’s assurance to keep him and his family safe, and how it has driven him to be on the field with his teammates soon.
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Selangor FC star winger Faisal Halim waves after holding a press conference as his first public appearance since a May 5 acid attack put him out of commission, at the Selangor FC training centre, Shah Alam, on June 13, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Speaking on his recovery, Dr Hazwan said his team is monitoring Faisal physically, emotionally and mentally.
“We have our own programme to ensure he recovers well. We are not just working with a physical therapist, but also a psychologist and psychiatrist to help with his emotional and mental well-being.
“In terms of his full recovery, we do not have a definitive timeframe, but will continue assisting him in every way possible,’’ he said, adding that his team in Selangor FC is committed to ensure Faisal makes a full recovery.
When asked briefly about his health, Faisal said he had lost 4kg but is back up to his optimal 58kg weight again, and is impatient to fully recover.
Shahril reiterated the club’s commitment in taking care of its players, providing the utmost care, and ensuring Faisal and his family’s safety.
“At the very least, as employers, we want to provide the best possible care for Faisal. We are committed towards his rehabilitation and hopefully we see him on the field once again,’’ he said.
Shahril briefly said Faisal’s contract will last until 2027 and will remain performance-based, but reiterated that the club’s commitment is to see their star winger make a full recovery.
Faisal suffered fourth-degree burns after being attacked with acid by an unknown assailant at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya on May 5.
On May 25, Selangor FC confirmed the winger was released from a private hospital here after undergoing four surgeries due to the incident.
