03-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Recalled Malaysian footballer who was hurt in acid attack still avoids shopping centres
Malaysian footballer Faisal Halim said 'he is not scared' but still avoids shopping centres 13 months after being doused in acid while out with his family, leaving him with fourth-degree burns.
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The striker, who had been a mainstay of the national team since making his debut in 2019, was recalled to the Malaysia squad in March for their Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal.
He is in line to face Vietnam on June 10 at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium in another qualifying match as the Harimau, or Tigers, bid to reach back-to-back Asian Cups for the first time since 1980. The Vietnamese lead Group F on goal difference from Malaysia after one game.
Halim appeared as a 74th-minute substitute in his side's 2-0 win over the Nepalese, in what was his first international game since the attack, and Malaysia head coach Peter Cklamovski told media this week that Halim was increasingly gaining his trust.
'Faisal plays an important role for Harimau Malaysia,' the Australian said.
Faisal Halim (in yellow) came on as a substitute in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal. Photo: AFP
One of Malaysia's most famous footballers, Halim sustained burns on his neck, shoulder, hands and chest when an unknown assailant threw acid on him in the attack in May last year, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred.
