Malaysian national player Faisal demands swift justice after acid attack

A Malaysian soccer player who suffered life-threatening injuries from acid splashes last month expressed hope that his attackers will be brought to justice quickly.

In his first public appearance since the May 5 attack, a visibly shaken and emotional Faisal Halim told a press conference that he would first focus on his recovery before attempting to return to football.

“I don’t know if I can return to football or not. I just hope that people pray for my return to the football arena,” he said. “I want to continue living my life normally like other people and players.”

“I hope that the perpetrators can be caught and brought to justice as soon as possible,” he added.

Faisal, a winger for the Malaysian national team and Selangor FC, was attacked in a shopping mall, leaving him with fourth-degree burns on his face, arms and torso, affecting his speech and movement.

The incident was part of a series of attacks on Malaysian football players in May, but police denied the cases were related.

Faisal, known by the nickname “Mickey,” declined to speculate on the reasons for the attack but acknowledged that he and his family were traumatized.

“I would rather lose thousands of dollars and quit football if it keeps me and my family safe … but the support and prayers of the public have given me the strength to keep going,” he said.

The attacks on Faisal and other football players prompted some clubs to tighten security measures.