ALOR STAR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifudin Nasution Ismail has stressed that all parties must refrain from speculating about the acid attack case involving Selangor FC footballer Faisal Halim.
Saifuddin said this is to allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including identifying the individuals behind social media accounts targeting specific football players.
He assured that all players and participants in the Super League matches, commencing tonight, are safe.
"Our priority now is to provide the best treatment for Faisal to recover as usual, and I reiterate the police's commitment in ensuring that no team or player feels concerned about their safety throughout this season's matches.
"We also request that speculation be avoided as it will undoubtedly affect the investigation, considering that arrests have been made.
"So when arrests are made, the police will initiate a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive behind the incident," he told a press conference here today.
Saifuddin added that the police are probing social media account handlers who targeted specific players, leading to such attacks.
He said action will be taken against them if they are found to have incited public hatred resulting in attacks.
"In this case, there is a 'build-up' aimed at targeting any player? If there is the use of social media to incite hatred through posts targeting an individual, then action can be taken.
"The police will track repeated posts aimed at inciting hatred which have led to certain groups taking such action.
"So give the police ample space to look into the matter, so there is no need to continue speculating because if social media accounts are identified as such, action will undoubtedly be taken," he said.
On May 5, Faisal was splashed with acid by unidentified individuals at a supermarket in Kota Damansara. It led to him suffering injuries to his body.
The national football player and Selangor FC star suffered fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body and he had to be treated at a private hospital.
