Cheers over positive signs
Faisal out of ICU and conversing clearly, Akhyar back at training

PETALING JAYA: The worst looks over for national football players Faisal Halim and Akhyar Rashid.

Selangor winger Faisal still has to go for another surgery next week but he has been transferred to a normal ward after spending almost nine days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following an acid attack earlier this month.

The latest development was shared by Selangor Board of Directors member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar yesterday though he added that Faisal remained under close monitoring for follow-up treatment and is still not allowed to accept any visitors.

“Faisal was transferred from the ICU to a normal ward but he still can’t receive any visitors because his condition is quite sensitive. But, Alhamdulillah, Faisal is stable.

“The specialist is closely monitoring Faisal’s condition. He will still need to go for another surgery maybe next Monday or Tuesday.

Shahril added that Faisal, fondly called ‘’Mickey’’ by fans, was also conversing quite clearly and the 26-year-old’s appetite has also improved.

“His appetite is improving. I was told that he could take normal food now. He has requested for nasi kandar as he has been craving it for sometime.

“I get a voicemail from Faisal almost every day, his speech is getting clearer, that’s the most important thing,” he added.

Faisal Halim still has to go for another surgery next week.

Shahril also disclosed that there has been no development from the police regarding the acid attack on Faisal.

“I was told that investigations are ongoing ... I also hope the IGP (Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain) can provide us with updates from time to time because Faisal is a national player who has many fans.

“So, I hope that if there is any information that’s not too sensitive, the authorities will keep us updated.

“Police have also recorded two statements from Faisal so far.”

Faisal suffered from fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body after he was splashed with acid by an unknown individual at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya on May 5.

He is expected to be sidelined for at least five or six months, thus missing out on two matches in the second round of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan next month.

Faisal has to wait a little longer to see action but his national teammate Akhyar has returned to the field with Terengganu team.

Terengganu FC chief operating officer Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain was quoted as saying that the footballer started training with his teammates last night after almost two weeks of rest.

“Akhyar has recovered from the head and leg injuries he suffered. We hope the player can focus fully during the training sessions.”

Akhyar is on loan to Terengganu from Johor Darul Ta’zim and his return is a relief to Terengganu ahead of their Super League second match against Penang away this Sunday.

Akhyar sustained injuries in a robbery attempt at his home in Kuala Terengganu on May 2.
Football,fam,malaysia
PETALING JAYA: The worst looks over for national football players Faisal Halim and Akhyar Rashid.