Faisal in ICU with fourth-degree burns, needs more surgery

A file pix of Faisal after the acid attack.

PETALING JAYA: Despite undergoing a four-hour procedure following an acid attack, footballer Faisal Halim may require more surgery due to the extent of his injuries.

Selangor Football Association deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar said the Malaysian national team winger and Selangor player underwent an initial procedure the same night after the attack on Sunday (May 5) but would require a second surgery at the very least.

He is now being treated for fourth-degree burns instead of second-degree burns as diagnosed earlier.

"We met him at the first hospital. He could talk but only in soft and low tones.

"The club then transferred him to our panel hospital, which said he needed another operation due to the condition of his skin.

"At about noon on Monday (May 6), we were told he had fourth-degree burns, not second-degree," he said, adding that Faisal was stable but not in good condition.

"It's quite bad. He can't feel his left arm. There will be a second surgery or even more," Shahril said.

He added that Faisal is now unable to communicate clearly after the surgery and will be warded at the intensive care unit (ICU) for ten days.

"He's feeling stiff, unable to talk well," he said, adding that the player, who is fondly known as "Mickey" will need to be hospitalised for at least three to four weeks.

Faisal was attacked at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara and the reason behind the attack is still unknown.

On May 2, national winger and Terengganu player Akhyar Rashid was assaulted and robbed near his residence in Kuala Terengganu.