Faisal Considered Quitting Football For Family Safety Even If It Meant Earning RM50 A Day
"I don't mind losing my RM50,000 monthly salary," he told the media.
By Sadho Ram — 14 Jun 2024, 01:06 PM
Harimau Malaya's star footballer Faisal Halim, who also plays for the Selangor Football Club (FC), considered quitting the sport for his family's safety after he was attacked with sulphuric acid last month
Faisal, who made his first public appearance since the horrific acid attack broke down while speaking to the media at a press conference held at the Selangor FC Training Centre yesterday, 13 June.
The visibly scarred and emotional player said that he and his family are still traumatised by the attack.
The 26-year-old put up a defiant front, but the turmoil within him was visible on his face as he expressed his desire to return to the field while weighing his options to return to his hometown and live peacefully.
"I don't mind losing my RM50,000 monthly salary by quitting football and going back to my hometown [...] I just want a peaceful life, I can take RM50 a day pay so long as my family is safe," the Penang native said.
According to the football website Transfermarkt, Faisal is currently the highest-paid local footballer in Malaysia, earning a monthly salary of RM120,000, reported Scoop, a local news portal.
"It was very painful, the acid attack was unbearable, and I can't accept my family living in fear," he stressed, adding that he only decided to continue after Selangor FC guaranteed his family's safety.
"That's [what has] motivated me to keep playing football," he said, expressing hope that people will pray for his return to the soccer arena.
"I want to continue living my life normally like other people, like other players."
Faisal Halim during the press conference at the Selangor Football Training Centre.
Image via Abdul Razak Latif/ScoopDuring the press conference, Faisal also shared that he has been living in a secret location after being discharged from hospital
He said he has never made any enemies or caused trouble for others.
When asked about the attack, Faisal said that his life changed drastically since then. He mentioned that he can no longer do many things independently, and now requires assistance from his family.
"The last time I was in touch with the police, it was during the first week of the attack and there has been no update since," he said, hoping the perpetrators will be brought to justice soon.
“I can’t live in hiding forever. I [want] to live a normal life. That's why I’m here today, addressing the media.
