BUKIT MERTAJAM: "Mom said she was taking me to a kenduri (feast), but it turned out she was bringing me to meet Faisal Halim. This is my most cherished memory of New Year 2025."
These were the heartfelt words of 13-year-old Mohd Dawisy Zarif Mohd Khairi, a teenager who suffered burns from an electric shock, after meeting his football idol, Muhammad Faisal Halim, at the Permatang Pauh Madani Under-12 Football Tournament held at Mengkuang Titi Public Field in Penanti today. Mohd Dawisy said meeting Faisal had been a long-standing dream of his, and he was overwhelmed that his idol had made it a reality.
"I had no idea this meeting had been arranged by Faisal and my mother. When I met Faisal, I was so nervous I didn't know what to say. I couldn't believe I got to see him in person and even shake his hand. Faisal told me not to give up and to keep playing football, but only after I've fully recovered," he said when met.
Previously, Harian Metro reported that Mohd Dawisy had suffered burns from an electric shock while trying to retrieve a football from a power station in Kampung Bukit, near Taman Sri Bayu, Bayan Lepas. The teenager returned to school in October last year after nearly a year of treatment at Penang Hospital. During this time, he expressed his wish to meet Faisal.
His mother, Suhana Samsudin, 38, said that while receiving treatment, Mohd Dawisy continued to follow Faisal's updates, particularly about his recovery from burns after being attacked with acid by an unknown assailant.
"Even in his emotional state, Mohd Dawisy often left positive comments on Faisal's Instagram posts. The burns on his skin resemble Faisal's, and he now has to wear special clothing when he's outdoors. He once told me he wanted to be as strong as Faisal and was confident he could return to playing football with his team one day. Recently, his twin brother was selected for the school football team, while Mohd Dawisy was not, due to his condition. He was disappointed, but I hope this meeting with Faisal will reignite his spirit and determination. I also hope Faisal sees how much his story inspires others, especially young talents in football," she said.
Faisal, who was visibly moved by Mohd Dawisy's resilience, encouraged him to stay strong and continue pursuing his passion for football.
"I have been in Mohd Dawisy's position, and I know it's not easy. He must stay strong. If he gets the chance, I'm confident he can return to football because he has the talent and passion. I have had my struggles too, but so many people prayed for me. Together, we can face these challenges and rise again. Never feel ashamed, even if your appearance or strength has changed. Just keep moving forward," Faisal said.
On May 5 last year, media reported that Faisal had been attacked with acid at a shopping mall in Damansara.