10-08-2025
Despite severe burn injuries, Faisal Halim ran six floors during hospital recovery
If not for his extraordinary determination, national footballer Faisal Halim might never have returned to the pitch.
Avisena Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Wan Syazli Rodzaian Wan Ahmad, who led Faisal's treatment, revealed just how serious the injuries were.
Following the acid attack on May 5, 2024, Faisal sustained fourth-degree chemical burns, some of the most complex and severe types of injury.
'When we first assessed him, many in the medical community believed there was no way he could play football again,' he said in a recent interview.
'He had lost a significant amount of muscle, and the burns came dangerously close to his eyes,' he said when interviewed recently at Avisena Women's & Children's Specialist Hospital.
Dr Wan Syazli Rodzaian Wan Ahmad
Dr Wan Syazli stated that despite the prognosis, Faisal's attitude stunned everyone. Even while recovering in intensive care, he began training that even the physiotherapists couldn't keep up.
'He ran from the sixth floor to the first floor of the hospital, bandaged, in pain, but determined,'he added.
He highlighted that chemical burns are especially challenging as the agent can stay active in the skin for weeks or months. This delays reconstruction, as skin grafts risk being damaged if applied too early.
Faisal's treatment involved urgent, complex procedures.
Dr Wan Syazli stated that due to the nature of the burns, artificial skin substitutes weren't viable. Instead, real human skin was sourced from a skin bank in Belgium, the only one supplying globally at the time.
Though the usual delivery time is two weeks, it arrived within two days thanks to coordinated efforts from multiple parties.
He shared that an artificial skin substitute costing RM40,000 was briefly used to neutralise the acid. Then came reconstruction, using stem cells, skin grafts, specialised serums, and laser treatments.
'It was like mission impossible. This wasn't a one-man job. From the surgical team to the nurses, physios and hospital staff, it was a massive team effort and ultimately, credit goes not just to science, but to God and to Faisal's mental strength,' he said.
He emphasised that mental resilience played an equally crucial role in Faisal's recovery.
Dr Wan Syazli pointed out while medical treatment repaired the physical injuries, it was Faisal's inner strength and determination that enabled him to overcome the trauma, despite the psychological hurdles often faced by athletes after such incidents.
'That's why mental strength is so important. He has shown incredible resilience to overcome all of that,' he added.
Faisal Halim
Faisal spent 10 days in the ICU and a total of three weeks in hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries.
The 27-year-old winger, nicknamed 'Mickey,' was attacked with acid by an unknown individual outside a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya. Despite extensive investigations, police have yet to identify a suspect.
On May 8, 2025, Faisal's legal team revealed that the Attorney-General's Chambers had classified the case as 'No Further Action' (NFA).
Although the case remains open, police confirmed there are no new leads at this time. The AGC noted that the decision could be revisited should new evidence come to light.
Faisal, a key figure for both the national team and Selangor, captured national attention when his equaliser against South Korea was voted the best goal of the 2024 Asian Cup.
