MCA Youth has expressed concern over the recent decision to close the acid attack case involving national footballer Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim with no arrests or charges, calling the decision a blow not just to Faisal and his family but to Malaysian sports as well.
Its information chief Neow Choo Seong was responding to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s announcement that the police will continue investigating the acid attack case against the Selangor FC winger even though the case has now been classified as “No Further Action” (NFA).
“Though he has courageously returned to the sport, the trauma he has endured cannot and must not be dismissed. It is crucial to ask: Who will bear the cost of his lifelong medical and psychological care?” asked Neow.
“The classification of the case as NFA, despite 23 individuals being questioned and multiple detentions, is a disturbing signal that justice has not been served.
“Such inaction emboldens perpetrators and weakens public faith in our criminal justice system. This decision also threatens Malaysia’s standing as a safe destination for international sporting events.
“How can we expect to host global tournaments, attract world-class athletes, or grow our sports sector if serious crimes against athletes can occur with no accountability and no resolution?”
For context, the 27-year-old Faisal survived an acid attack by an unidentified individual at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, suffering fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body and was subsequently placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 10 days.
Neow further urged Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and deputy minister Adam Adli to take immediate action by engaging Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to reopen this investigation and pursue every lead.
“It is not enough to express concern—there must be concrete action. Justice must be served. The case must remain open. Shutting the file now sends the wrong message: that perpetrators can assault public figures with impunity, and that the system will not protect the victims despite the prevalence of the Penal Code—even national heroes like Faisal,” he stressed.
“If this is how we treat our top athletes, what hope is there for young Malaysians dreaming of a career in sports? This case cannot be allowed to fade into silence. The nation, and the world, is watching.” – May 9, 2025
Main image: Bernama
