In a show of solidarity, fans displayed a banner supporting injured footballers before the Malaysia Super League match between Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) FC and Kedah on May 11, 2024. The recent string of incidents involving top-flight Malaysian footballers being victims of crimes has shocked and angered the country, though they are not believed to be connected.
Malaysian football has been rocked by a series of high-profile incidents involving its top players being targeted by criminals. One of the most recent cases involved international defender Khuzaimi Piee, who had his Yamaha motorbike and other belongings stolen from his house in Shah Alam. Fortunately, Piee and his family were not at home during the break-in. The defender took to Instagram to plead for the return of his stolen bike.
Another incident involved international forward Faisal Halim, who was attacked with acid outside Kuala Lumpur on May 5. He sustained severe burns but is recovering in the hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries. It is estimated that he could return to playing as early as August.
This series of crimes against footballers also included former Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim, who escaped unharmed after being threatened with a hammer, as well as having his car’s windscreen smashed. Another international player, Akhyar Rashid, was injured during a robbery outside his home in Terengganu.
Selangor FC decided to withdraw from the season-opening Charity Shield citing concerns over the safety of their players due to these recent criminal activities targeting them. The football community in Malaysia is calling for greater safety measures to protect its athletes and prevent further incidents from happening again.
The recent attacks on Malaysian footballers have sparked outrage and concern among fans and fellow players alike. The country’s top-flight players are some of its most popular figures and it is disheartening that they are being targeted by criminals while carrying out their duties.
It is important that authorities take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the country’s best athletes feel safe enough to continue performing at their highest level without fear for their lives or property.
The football community in Malaysia must come together once again to demand better safety measures be put in place so that our beloved sport can continue thriving without any further setbacks or tragedies occurring again soon.
