SHAH ALAM: Harimau Malaya player Faisal Halim who was splashed with acid is reported to be in critical condition after undergoing surgery at a private hospital here yesterday.
This was confirmed by Selangor Football Association (FAS) deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar who said that Faisal's condition is critical due to fourth-degree burns.
Shahril, who is also a member of the executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), expressed concerns about the winger's future, particularly noting the difficulty in movement in his left hand.
"As reported, Faisal is indeed in critical condition and currently only his wife and I are allowed to visit him.
"When he was sent to the first hospital for initial treatment, the doctors saw it might be second-degree burns.
"However, after being transferred to another hospital and receiving follow-up treatment, it was found that the burns were actually fourth-degree.
"I'm sad to see his condition at this time as he described the pain he is suffering is as if his skin is burning. He is in so much agony," he said when contacted by Arena Metro.
Yesterday, it was reported that Faisal was splashed with acid in an incident at a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur.
This is the second unfortunate incident involving a national player after Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid was injured on the head and legs after being attacked by two robbers at his residence in Kuala Terengganu last Thursday.
Akhyar is said to have been hit with a blunt weapon on his head, causing him to sustain injuries.