Following the acid attack on a Selangor FC player, the club’s CEO Johan Kamal Hamidon has urged authorities and football associations to treat cases of violence and attacks against players and fans seriously. “We need to make football a peaceful place and kick violence out for good,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.
The attack on striker Faisal Halim, in which he suffered severe burns after being doused with a corrosive liquid, is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents that have rocked Malaysian football over the past year. Johan urged people to pray for Faisal’s safety and full recovery.
Assault by security forces?
When asked if designating private security forces to control fans at stadiums could fuel violence, Johan urged the Malaysian Football League (MFL) and relevant authorities to think of a suitable solution for crowd management.
On asking if the appointment of private security guards to control fans at stadiums could lead to violence, Johan called on the Malaysia Football League (MFL) and relevant authorities to consider a suitable crowd management solution. “The intention may be for safety reasons, but the police are very aware of reported cases involving these (private security) personnel, so it needs follow-up,” he said.
The concern arose after spectators during a match between Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) and Kuala Lumpur City FC (KL City) claimed that members of the Johor Military Force (JMF) assaulted supporters.
Rahmat Ariffin, the Seri Iskandar district police chief, confirmed that a victim had reported that JMF personnel had attacked him.
The JMF operates as a private security company under the jurisdiction of Johor Sultan. Its main functions are to protect the royal family and provide protection during state ceremonies.
The JMF reportedly played a supplementary role in maintaining security at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, working with police officers and venue marshals to monitor crowd management and fans during matches.
Johan says safety for all is a priority
Their involvement primarily served to strengthen the staff’s ability to supervise fans and spectators. Johan stressed that safety for all is a priority.
“Football is for all, and we want everyone involved to feel safe and able to play freely without fear.”
“As stakeholders, from fans to management, we must take a stand together against these unacceptable acts,” he said.
Amid growing national outrage, the Selangor FC boss’s call has further increased pressure on authorities to ensure that those responsible for the acid attack on Faisal are brought to justice and that these cases do not simply go unnoticed.