Malaysia acid-attack footballer in ‘critical but stable’ condition, high-profile players urged to hire bodyguards
- Faisal Halim has fourth-degree burns on neck, shoulder, hands and chest and will need more surgery
- Football official says 26-year-old’s movement and speech affected by attack over the weekend
A Malaysian national team footballer who was the victim of an acid attack is in a “critical but stable” condition Tuesday with fourth-degree burns that will require more surgery.
Faisal Halim suffered burns on the neck, shoulder, hands and chest in Petaling Jaya district outside the capital Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.
Nicknamed “Mickey”, the 26-year-old plays on the right wing for Selangor Football Club and Malaysia.
“I am at the hospital. Faisal’s condition is a bit critical but stable,” Shahril Mokhtar, deputy president of the Football Association of Selangor, said.
He said Faisal was initially diagnosed as having suffered second-degree burns, “but after he was moved to another hospital, a plastic surgeon classified the injuries as fourth-degree burns”.
Shahril said Faisal would undergo another surgery, adding that his movement and speech had been affected.
“We are shocked and disappointed that such an attack happened in Malaysia. My concern is also about the mental health of the other players since the new season begins on Friday,” he said.
