Acid attack: Faisal Halim says never caused trouble for others

National footballer Faisal Halim, speaking in his first press conference after a traumatic acid attack last month, said he has never made enemies with anyone.

The Selangor FC player also stated he was always friendly towards others.

“I have never been arrogant, and always entertained people. So maybe after this if needed I will be arrogant, if that’s what is best for me.

“I have never had any enemies and I never create trouble for others,” said Faisal during a heavily guarded media session held at the Selangor FC training centre in Shah Alam.

Throughout the press conference, Faisal appeared sombre, and on several occasions teared up as he recalled the incident.

His left arm showed scars from reconstructive operations, and there were marks left on parts of his face and head.

‘I want a peaceful life’

Commenting further, Faisal said he initially intended to retire from professional football and return to his hometown, for his family’s safety.

“I told my wife, and my family including my brother, I don’t mind losing a RM50,000 salary and I want to go back to our hometown.

“I just want a peaceful life, I can take RM50 a day pay so long as my family is safe. I don’t want to live in fear,” he said.

“What happened was unexpected, and I can’t accept my family living in fear,” he stressed.

At the same time, Faisal expressed gratitude to all parties who had shown their concerns towards him.

He also advised against speculations on the May 5 incident outside a shopping complex in Damansara, one of several attacks against national footballers.

“The last time I was in touch with the police, it was during the first week of the incident and there has been no update since,” he said, hoping the perpetrator will be brought to justice.

Full recovery

Bernama reported Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as saying that she wants to ensure Faisal fully recovers before returning to action.

She is convinced the 27-year-old winger is determined to return to action but does not want Faisal to rush back to the field.

“I want to make sure that he takes his time to fully recover before trooping out on the pitch because I think football will wait for Faisal.

“I hope he doesn’t rush it, he must ensure he is fully healed because football needs him,” she said after presenting prizes to winners of the e-sports tournament for the elderly, Boomers2Gamers today.

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