KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and Selangor FC forward Faisal Halim has been confirmed to have suffered fourth-degree burns after undergoing the first surgery following an acid attack at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya on Sunday.
This was confirmed by Football Association of Selangor deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who said Faisal’s movements and speech had been affected by the incident.
He said the Red Giants winger would undergo at least two more surgeries after this.
“After the first surgery, the specialist doctors found that it was not second-degree burns but fourth-degree burns. Based on the assessment, Faisal will undergo at least two more surgeries as determined by the doctors. Currently, he is still in the ICU, being closely monitored by the specialists.
“What I can say (about Faisal’s condition) is his movement and speech are affected because of the (acid’s) effect on his face (namely) his cheeks, nose and mouth. The left side of his body and arm are severely affected, which affects his movement,” he said when contacted last night.
Shahril also said that Faisal, who is affectionately known as “Mickey” among fans, would be under close observation at the hospital for at least 10 days.
“Then he may undergo follow-up treatment in the hospital for two to three weeks. For the recovery process, it depends, but I think he will be out for a minimum of five or six months,” said Shahril, who is also a member of the Football Association of Malaysia’s executive committee.
On Sunday, Malaysian football was shocked by the acid attack on Faisal, who was reported to have suffered second-degree burns.
This is the second unfortunate incident to befall a national player within a week, after Akhyar Rashid suffered injuries to his head and legs from being attacked by two robbers at his residence in Kuala Terengganu last Thursday. – May 7, 2024