I Received Warning After Acid Attack Selangor Fc Chief Says

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A string of assaults and threats against players and officials over the past month has marred the “beautiful game” of football in Malaysia.
Selangor FC star Faisal Halim became the victim of an acid attack, and then the club’s CEO Johan Kamal Hamidon revealed that he and other Selangor FC officials received ominous “reminders” from unknown sources warning they could be the next targets.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Johan (above) confirmed he had filed a police report about the threats to ensure his safety after being told to be wary about his surroundings.
“There were one or two officials who were given warnings to be careful, that they could be the next target.
“I think the police reports made were necessary, out of precaution,” he told Malaysiakini at the Selangor FC official training ground last Monday.
Just days before Faisal’s acid attack, national football player Akhyar Rashid became a victim of assault and robbery while he was approaching his car at his apartment in Terengganu, causing the latter to suffer injuries.
When asked whether Selangor had taken extra security measures after hearing about the attack against Akhyar, Johan said he did not think much of it at the time.
National football player Akhyar RashidHe had assumed it was an isolated attack rather than a plot to ruin national football players’ careers.
An act to cause serious harm
Johan said he sympathised with Akhyar after what happened but did not expect that one of his players would be the next target of an assault.
“We didn’t think the incident would be a threat to Selangor FC players but when Faisal Halim got attacked by acid, that was completely on a different level compared to Akhyar’s.
“He was targeted and attacked with acid. And it was certainly an act to potentially kill or harm him seriously. It’s not a robbery, or any other thing, right? That’s where things got really serious.
“After that, the club immediately increased our security and we were on full alert because this is unprecedented in Malaysia,” he added.
On May 8, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain denied claims that the series of attacks against national football players was a “grand conspiracy” involving politicians, police and gang leaders.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd ZainA social media account on Instagram @muhammadimransuresh claimed that he possessed all the evidence of the so-called “grand conspiracy”, which was dismissed by Shuhaily, who said that it was a fake account.
Commenting on this, Johan said he could only implement measures within his capacity as a football administrator.
He believed the authorities were doing their best to investigate the series of attacks.
Selangor FC striker Faisal HalimExtra security measures
He told Malaysiakini that the club has taken extra security measures including hiring private security personnel for those who could be exposed to further attempts of assault. It has also placed a group of single players in a hotel.
“Apart from that, we are waiting for the police to come back with a report so that we can come up with better countermeasures for players and staff.
“But for now, we do what’s best within our capacity and means and resources,” he said.
Yesterday, Bernama reported that the Penang-born striker was transferred to a regular ward today after spending around nine days in the intensive care unit following the acid attack.
This development was shared by Selangor FC board of directors member Shahril Mokhtar, who emphasised that Faisal will remain under close monitoring for follow-up treatment and is still not allowed any visitors.
Shahril stated that while Faisal has made progress in his recovery, the latter still requires intensive care and observation by the medical team to ensure his wounds heal properly.
Johan said the incident should be a lesson to all sports practitioners, stressing the need to nurture a safe and healthy environment to ensure the development of the sport in the country is not hindered by such tragedies.
“Let’s kick violence out of football. Football is for all. We want to make sure that everyone feels safe and can play without being fearful of anything,” Johan said. - Mkini

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