Faisal Halim in ICU after acid attack causes fourth-degree burns

National winger Faisal Halim was splashed with acid at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara yesterday. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: National footballer Faisal Halim has been warded in the intensive care unit (ICU) after yesterday’s acid attack left him with fourth-degree burns.

Selangor Football Association deputy president Shahril Mokhtar said Faisal went through a four-hour procedure last night, when it was initially said he only suffered second-degree burns on several parts of his body.

According to The Star, Shahril said Faisal was transferred to Selangor Football Club’s panel hospital, which informed them that he needed to be operated on because of the condition of his skin.

“At about noon today, we were told that it’s not second-degree burns but fourth-degree. It’s quite bad. He can’t feel his left arm. He is stable but not in good condition because of his skin.

“There will be a second surgery or even more. He couldn’t communicate clearly after the surgery and will be in the ICU for 10 days. He’s feeling stiff, unable to talk well,” he was quoted as saying.

The winger will then need to remain in hospital for another four weeks, he added.

Faisal was splashed with acid after go-karting at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara. He received treatment at a private hospital and was reported to be in stable condition yesterday.

It was the second attack on a footballer last week after Terengganu FC winger Akhyar Rashid was attacked by two robbers after returning from training on Thursday night.

Police have arrested a man in his 20s suspected of being involved in the acid attack on Faisal.