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Selangor FC (SFC) key player Faisal Halim, also a member of Harimau Malaya, seriously considered ending his football career and forfeiting his substantial salary after being attacked with acid by an unknown assailant at a shopping center in Petaling Jaya in May.
The 26-year-old native of Penang was deeply shaken by the incident, prioritizing the safety of his family over his career. He expressed a willingness to give up his profession to ensure their well-being.
"In the second week after the incident, I told SFC Technical Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar that I was prepared to quit football and lose my substantial salary if it meant my family would be safe. I considered returning to my hometown and living a peaceful life, even if I had to work for RM50 or RM100 a day," Faisal revealed.
However, Shahril Mokhtar's words of encouragement played a crucial role in Faisal's decision to continue his football career. "He assured me, saying 'Mickey (Faisal Halim’s nickname), I know you can continue. I guarantee your safety and your family's safety,' and that motivated me to keep playing football," Faisal recounted during his first public appearance at the Selangor FC Training Centre today.
The attack on May 5 left Faisal with fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body, leading to a 10-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The severity of the assault not only threatened his career but also instilled a profound sense of fear for his and his family's safety.
Despite the trauma, Faisal's determination and the support from SFC have fueled his resolve to overcome this harrowing experience. His return to the public eye marks a significant step in his recovery journey, both physically and emotionally.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of public figures to random acts of violence and highlights the importance of mental and emotional support in the aftermath of such traumatic events. Faisal's story is a testament to resilience and the power of community and support systems in helping individuals navigate through crises.
Evon Anak Jerim is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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