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MALAYSIAN Super League (MSL) footballers have been told to be vigilant and pay more attention to their surroundings by their clubs in the wake of the recent attacks on players.
Following three attacks on national footballers in the span of a week, clubs have beefed up security at training grounds and advised players to be cautious off the pitch.
On May 2, Terengganu FC player Akhyar Rashid was robbed at his Kuala Terengganu home, which left him with cuts and bruises.
Days later, Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim was splashed with acid at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara.
The superstar winger sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Petaling Jaya.
The same week, two men broke the rear windscreen of Johor Darul Ta'zim player Safiq Rahim while he was driving in Johor Baru. He was unhurt.
Terengganu FC sporting director Zul Fadli Rozi said CCTVs have been installed at the club's training grounds.
"We also had a security briefing for the players with the help of the police. We have installed more CCTVs at the training centre and the stadium.
"I prefer not to comment more on the matter and do not wish to speculate," he said.
Stanley Bernard of KL City FC said players' safety are a top priority after the three attacks.
He said players have been told to be vigilant and even to hire their own bodyguards if need be.
"We have briefed the players about the incidents and about being safe. We have told them to be vigilant at all times.
"If the players need to hire bodyguards, we will not object. We will assist in whatever way we can," he said.
The new MSL season was to have kicked off on Friday with a Charity Shield match between Selangor FC and Johor Darul Ta'zim FC. But Selangor withdrew due to safety concerns for their players. Selangor announced their decision to withdraw after getting the consent of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The season opened yesterday with three matches: PDRM FC v Kedah, Sri Pahang v Kelantan DNFC and Terengganu v Perak.
Private security
Negeri Sembilan FC chief executive officer Faliq Firdaus told The Vibes that the players have been advised to immediately report to the club if they are worried about their safety.
"We have reminded them to be on high alert, not to take things lightly. They must be aware of their surroundings.
"If they feel they need bodyguards, we welcome their decision. We are also communicating with other clubs to ensure players' safety during away games," said Faliq.
Police have detained a suspect involved in the acid attack on Faisal. The man was detained in Bangi.
Another man was arrested earlier in Pandan Indah in connection with the attacks. The man was released after it was discovered that his motorcycle number plate was misused.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain yesterday said police were working on a photofit of the suspect who threw acid at Faisal.
He said police would send the fingerprints they had lifted at the scene for analysis.
The three incidents, which occurred in Selangor, Johor, and Terengganu, are under police investigation. – May 12, 2024.