Players on high alert after spate of attacks


Malaysia’s Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid (right) fight for the ball with Sri Langka’s Kavindu Ishan (left) during the Tier 1 International Match 2019 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. OCTOBER 5, 2019. MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star.

PETALING JAYA: After a spate of attacks on three national footballers, other players are beginning to look over their shoulders whenever they are outside.

Penang midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba, who is on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, is also limiting his movements.

"I am more vigilant now. I am not going out so much," said Syamer.

Syamer was disheartened to see his friends go through such harrowing situations.

"No one should endure that (kind of experience). Personally, I feel for all three because they are my mates," he said.Last week, Terengganu's Akhyar Rashid, also on loan from JDT, suffered injuries to his head and leg after being attacked by two robbers in his housing area in Kuala Terengganu.

On Sunday, Selangor player Faisal Halim suffered fourth degree burns after being splashed with acid at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya. JDT midfielder Safiq Rahim became the latest victim of crime when his car's rear windscreen was smashed by two men in Johor Baru.

Syamer hopes the authorities can tighten security as he doesn't want to see what happened to Faisal, Akhyar and Safiq happen again.

"I am praying for all three to recover from the episodes."

Syamer also revealed that he spoke to Akhyar and he is in good spirits.

"He told me his injuries are healing and he will be back sooner."

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