Spraying Acid and Group Beating... Malaysia, Continuous Ordeals for 'Kim Pangonho' Football Players

2nd Degree Burns from Hydrochloric Acid Attack at Shopping Mall
Kim Pangon, Malaysia Coach, "Wishing a Speedy Recovery"

Crimes targeting players of the Malaysian national football team have been occurring consecutively, prompting local authorities to condemn the offenses.

On January 25th (local time), during the second half of the final Group E match between Korea and Malaysia at the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup held at Al Wakrah Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, Malaysia's Faisal Halim celebrated after scoring the equalizer. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 6th (local time), South China Morning Post (SCMP) and others reported that Faisal Halim (26, Selangor) suffered second-degree burns in an acid attack at a large shopping mall near Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Halim sustained injuries to his neck, shoulders, hands, and chest due to the acid attack and is currently receiving treatment after being transported to a hospital. The suspect was reportedly arrested at the scene.

Halim is a starting forward (FW) for the Malaysian national football team. He made a strong impression by scoring an equalizing goal against South Korea during the AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar last January. After scoring in that match, he gained attention for performing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 'Haw Ceremony' from Al Nassr.

This is not the first time a Malaysian football player has been targeted by crime. Three days earlier, another national team player, Akhyar Rashid, was assaulted by two unidentified suspects in front of his home, sustaining injuries to his head and legs.

Some are concerned about the possibility of a series of attacks targeting the Malaysian national team. Hamidin Mohamad Amin, president of the Football Association of Malaysia, issued a statement saying, "I am angry and saddened," and added, "The Malaysian people hope that Halim and Rashid recover quickly." Kim Pan-gon, the coach leading Malaysia, also posted photos of Halim and Rashid on his social media, leaving a message wishing them a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, Malaysia will play the 5th and 6th matches of Group D in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian second round qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan on the 6th and Taiwan on the 11th of next month. If Malaysia wins the away match against Kyrgyzstan in the 5th round, it will be the first time in Malaysian football history to advance to the final round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers.