Third Malaysian footballer attacked; JDT player’s car hit in Johor Bahru

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim has become the third footballer to be attacked in the past week after he was threatened with a hammer by two assailants and his car windscreen was smashed.

Safiq was not injured in the attack late Tuesday (May 7) in the southern state of Johor after a training session with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), one of Asia’s top clubs run by the crown prince of the Johor royal family.

The 36-year-old midfielder posted a photo on Instagram of his black Honda with the rear window smashed.

“I did not expect to be attacked near the JDT training center. We must be vigilant,” he wrote in the post.

He also shared a copy of the police report he made on Instagram, in which he said: “Two men on a motorcycle suddenly approached my car, armed with a hammer, and smashed the rear windshield of my car.”

“I stopped the car and was scared.”

The incident occurred around 10.05pm while he was driving near the training center in Sri Gelam in Johor Bahru.

“They both stopped in front of my car and showed me the hammer and I quickly reversed. “Shortly after they both left the place and the rear window was broken, I reported it to the police,” he said.

JDT chief executive Alistair Edwards said the club was concerned about the Safiq incident.

He added that the club had increased the security of its players as a precautionary measure.

The club has also advised its players to be cautious about their surroundings and their social media posts.

“We urge the Royal Malaysian Police to investigate the matter,” he added.