Follow usMalaysian international footballer recently fell victim to an acid attack, while two other prominent players encountered separate assaults within a week, raising alarms about the safety of athletes in the country.
According to police criminal investigation chief Mohamad Shuhaily Mohamad Zain, the incidents share similarities and appear to have targeted the victims intentionally. However, investigators have yet to establish any direct links between the cases.
Kami turut prihatin terhadap kejadian yang menimpa tiga pesepak bola timnas Malaysia.
Come back stronger, Faisal Halim! 🇮🇩🤝🇲🇾#KitaGaruda pic.twitter.com/Hbeu6FCjNi
— PSSI (@PSSI) May 8, 2024
Faisal Halim, renowned for his role as a winger for both the national team and Malaysian club Selangor, suffered severe fourth-degree burns in the acid attack carried out by two unidentified assailants at a shopping mall on Sunday. Despite being in critical but stable condition, Faisal’s mobility and speech have been significantly impaired.
Just days prior, Akhyar Rashid, another prominent national team player, was subjected to a violent robbery outside his residence in eastern Terengganu state following a training session. Assailants assaulted him with an iron rod, inflicting injuries to his head and legs, before fleeing with stolen money.
In a separate incident, former national team captain Safiq Rahim was pursued by two individuals on a motorcycle after a training session in southern Johor state. Though the assailants brandished a hammer and damaged his car’s rear window, Safiq escaped physical harm.
Shuhaily highlighted that the investigations revealed a pattern where the players were followed before the attacks, with perpetrators operating in pairs. While initial detentions were made in connection to Faisal’s attack, only one individual remains in custody following further inquiries.
