Faisal Halim, the celebrated Malaysian footballer known as “Mickey,” has publicly thanked fans for their overwhelming support following his recovery from a brutal acid attack last year. The Selangor FC winger, who endured severe burns, shared his gratitude during a recent team event, marking a key step in his return to the pitch.
Attack Recap
The incident unfolded on May 5, 2024, outside a shopping mall in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya. CCTV footage captured an assailant in a black shirt and hat ambushing Faisal as he headed to his car, splashing him with concentrated sulfuric acid multiple times before fleeing on a motorcycle. The 27-year-old suffered fourth-degree burns across his neck, shoulders, hands, chest, and face, leaving him in critical condition with impaired speech and movement. He spent weeks in intensive care at a Kuala Lumpur hospital, undergoing multiple skin grafts and surgeries.
Road to Recovery
By August 2024, Faisal resumed light individual training at Selangor FC facilities, a milestone after months sidelined. He made his first public appearance at a press conference in June 2024, visibly scarred but determined, expressing hopes for justice while focusing on rehab. Doctors cleared him for team sessions by early 2025, and he earned a national team recall in March, playing limited minutes in friendlies. Selangor officials report his speed and dribbling—hallmarks of his Asia Cup highlight against South Korea— are nearing pre-attack levels.
Messages poured in from across Malaysia, with #PrayForFaisal trending nationwide. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited him in hospital, condemning the violence, while the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Hamidin Mohamad Amin rallied public prayers for his and teammate Akhyar Rashid’s recoveries—Akhyar was robbed and beaten days earlier. Selangor FC fans filled stadiums with banners during his comeback matches, and a crowdfunding drive raised over RM500,000 for medical costs. Faisal recently posted on Instagram: “Your love pulls me through every session.”
Legal Developments
Police arrested two suspects shortly after—a man in his 30s and another in his 20s—but the case hit a snag in May 2025 when prosecutors classified it as “no further action” (NFA), citing insufficient evidence. Faisal’s lawyers voiced deep disappointment, hinting at appeals or public pushes for reopening. No motive has surfaced, though speculation tied it to a string of attacks on players that month, including Safiq Rahim’s car smash. FAM denies links, but calls for better athlete security grew.
Faisal featured in Selangor’s 2025 Malaysia Super League campaign, scoring in a 3-1 win over Johor Darul Ta’zim in October. Coach K. Nanthakumar praises his mental toughness: “He trains like before, but wiser.” National coach Kim Pan-gon eyes him for AFF Cup qualifiers, where his equaliser versus South Korea remains fan lore. Off-pitch, Faisal joined anti-violence talks at schools in Petaling Jaya, urging youth to report threats.
Photo credit: Faisal Halim official FB
