Malaysian footballer hurt in acid attack, Faisal Halim, wants ...

A Malaysian footballer who was critically injured after being splashed with acid last month said he hopes his assailants can be brought to justice swiftly.

In his first public appearance since the May 5 attack, a visibly scarred and emotional Faisal Halim told a press conference that he would focus on his recovery before attempting a return to soccer.

“I don’t know if I can return to football or not; I just hope people can pray for my return to the soccer arena,” he said. “I want to continue living my life normally like other people, like other players.

“I hope the perpetrators can be caught as soon as possible and charged in court,” he added.

Faisal, a winger on Malaysia’s national team and state club Selangor FC, was attacked at a shopping centre, leaving him with fourth-degree burns on his face, arms and torso, and affecting his speech and movement.

The incident was among a series of attacks on Malaysian footballers that month, though police have denied that the cases were related.

Faisal, who goes by the nickname Mickey, declined to speculate on the reasons behind the attack, but acknowledged it had left him and his family traumatised.

“I would rather lose thousands of dollars and stop playing football if I can be safe, if my family can be safe … but the support and prayers from the public have given me the strength to continue,” he said.

“I really miss football and want to play and practise. I have to focus on recovery and rehabilitation. I will wait for the doctor to give the permission to play,” he added.

The attacks on Faisal and other footballers have prompted some clubs to strengthen security.