Faisal Halim, a top Malaysian footballer, was discharged from the hospital on Saturday after undergoing multiple surgeries for severe burns sustained in an acid attack. The attack occurred at a shopping mall outside the capital Kuala Lumpur on May 5, leaving Faisal with burns on his neck, shoulder, hands, and chest. His case was the most high-profile of attacks against four footballers in Malaysia this month, shocking and angering the nation.
The CEO of Selangor FC, Faisal’s club, confirmed his discharge from the hospital on Saturday afternoon. Faisal is said to be recovering well after a major skin graft surgery and could possibly return to the pitch as early as August. His recent three-hour skin allograft surgery went better than expected, according to the team doctor.
Faisal, also known as “Mickey,” gained recognition for scoring an equaliser against South Korea in the 2023 Asian Cup, a goal that was voted the best of the tournament. The domestic football season in Malaysia was set to kick off on May 10, with Selangor facing Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the opening match.
However, Selangor withdrew from the match due to a series of criminal incidents and threats, including the attack on Faisal. The league proceeded as scheduled the following day. In addition to Faisal’s case, other footballers have also fallen victim to crime this month, with three other players facing separate incidents of robbery and assault.
The attacks have brought attention to the safety and security concerns faced by professional athletes in Malaysia and sparked outrage among the sporting community. Despite these challenges, Faisal’s recovery and potential return to the field serve as a sign of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.