Justice delayed, justice denied? Faisal Halim case stalls after year-long probe

NFA is a standard procedure when investigations yield no leads or connections to arrests, but the case remains open for further developments.

By AISYAH BASARUDDIN

09 May 2025 10:34am

Faisal Halim during a special press conference following the acid attack incident. PHOTO: SINAR

KUALA LUMPUR – The acid attack case involving Harimau Malaya and Selangor FC player Faisal Halim, has been classified as 'No Further Action' (NFA) after a year, shocking many, particularly local football fans.

The decision has left both Faisal and his legal team disappointed.

Faisal’s law firm, Mohd Ashraf, Nik Zarith & Co, confirmed that they had taken several proactive steps throughout the investigation, including sending letters to various authorities, such as the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, the Home Ministry and the Attorney General's Chambers, urging for the case to be prioritised.

Despite the NFA status, Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain clarified that the investigation is ongoing.

He said that NFA is a standard procedure when investigations yield no leads or connections to arrests, but the case remains open for further developments.

Shuhaily assured that any updates would be shared with Faisal’s lawyer, urging the public not to speculate, as it could interfere with the investigation.

The hope remains that the perpetrator will eventually be identified and brought to justice.

Timeline of the Faisal Halim acid attack case:

May 5, 2024: Faisal was attacked with acid at a shopping mall in the capital, suffering fourth-degree burns.
May 6, 2024: Police arrested one suspect in connection with the attack. May 7, 2024: A second suspect was arrested and remanded for five days; the first suspect was released due to no connection to the case.
May 11, 2024: The second suspect was released on police bail.
May 19, 2024: Police circulated a composite sketch of the suspected attacker.
May 20, 2024: Faisal underwent his final surgery.
May 25, 2024: Faisal was discharged from the hospital.
Aug 10, 2024: Faisal made his first appearance for Selangor FC.
Nov 25, 2024: The case was transferred to the Bukit Aman Special Investigation Unit.
March 9, 2025: Faisal scored a hat-trick in a match against KDN FC. March 25, 2025: Faisal played in the World Cup qualification match against Nepal.
May 8, 2025: Faisal’s lawyer confirmed that the Attorney General's Chambers had classified the case as NFA.