Malaysia football kicks off under heightened security after attacks

Malaysia's premier football league kicked off on Saturday under the shadow of heightened security after a series of attacks against players shocked the country and forced the cancellation of the season opener. An acid attack last week left star winger Faisal Halim in critical condition, just days after his Malaysia teammate Rashid was injured in a robbery outside his home. 

In a third incident, former Malaysia skipper Safiq Rahim escaped unharmed after he was threatened with a hammer and his car windscreen was smashed by two assailants. But football authorities said Malaysia Super League games would go ahead on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. Police numbers were increased around the stadium.