Emotional: Faisal Halim reacts as he speaks to members of the media during a press conference in Shah Alam. — Reuters
PETALING JAYA: Faisal Halim made his first public appearance yesterday, laying bare the horror that he has had to live with for more than a month now.
The wounds were still raw on his arms, his face was scarred pink after the acid attack – and the sight of it all was too much for many fans.
While there was relief that Faisal had survived the ordeal and is on his way to recovery, the sight of a forlorn striker – a far cry from his usual cheerful self – sparked calls for justice.
The Selangor player, who was the victim of an acid attack on May 5, said he too wants the authorities to find the culprit behind the attack.
“I hope those who did this to me will be caught soon and charged in court,” he told a press conference at the Selangor Football Training Centre yesterday.
Before Faisal addressed the room, images of his injuries were shown, along with his recovery process after multiple surgeries.
The 26-year-old could not hold back his tears throughout the press conference, choking up multiple times when recalling the incident and its effects on him and his loved ones.
On social media, the sentiment was unanimous. Everyone sympathised with Faisal’s situation and demanded justice.
“Faisal Halim crying. It’s clear that he’s still traumatised by what happened. Even we who see it feel choked up, imagine him who is going through it all,” said @kroolnizam on X.
“It’s sad. Faisal Halim just plays football without disturbing anyone, earning a living by doing what he likes. Always gives everything to club and country. But there are those with ill-intentions. May the perpetrator be punished for their actions,” said @Cikgu_Anep on X.
“Small sized, but a big and strong soul. This is the real hero of Malaya. Great person, even greater test.
“May God always bless Faisal Halim and give him full recovery,” said another user.
“It broke my heart to see Faisal Halim’s condition. Only focused on his career and family but his livelihood was taken away by the wretch. I pray that Faisal recovers completely, his spirit rises again and he returns to football. Find who did this, and punish them,” said @khairul_hafidz.
After the attack, the police remanded two suspects, but both of them have been released.
Police later released a photofit of the attacker, but fingerprints pulled from the scene at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara have not returned a match so far.
