Former national squash champion, Mohamed Kenneth Low, who is ailing and living in a nursing home, wished for companionship on Hari Raya.
He asked the former chairman of the national athletes welfare foundation (Yakeb), Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed, to take him out for an outing.
Noorul planned a traditional feast at a shopping mall on the second day of Raya despite his own Raya obligations.
But Kenneth’s heart was set on enjoying roti canai.
He hadn’t tasted the delicacy since being placed in the Metro Eldercare nursing home here more than two years ago.
He was shy to tell anyone about it.
The first day of Raya for Kenneth, 48, passed with no visitors, and festive greetings only from a few friends.
Kenneth said his time together with Noorul meant genuine bond in times of need.
He said his spirits were lifted amid isolation, personal turmoil and grave health challenges.
His only companions at the nursing home are five elderly women, with whom he does light exercises every morning.
Kenneth’s stay at the home is paid for with the money raised from the public in a FMT-led campaign in July 2023.
FMT and Yakeb went to his aid when he was a cleaner at the Best Archery Centre in Glo Damansara, earning a monthly salary of RM1,500.
Until the archery centre’s owner, Jeffrey Kok, took him in, Kenneth did odd jobs.
He mopped and swept floors, wiped mirrors and cleaned the interior of elevators, together with foreign workers, at condominiums.
Kenneth was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system.
His life became interwoven with Noorul when he went through the phases of stroke-induced impairment, diminished motor skills, cognitive disability and short-term memory dysfunction.
Kenneth’s father passed away from a stroke, his older brother is now a stroke patient, and his mother is struggling with old age.
His marriage broke down before he was struck by a stroke, and his wife lives with their 13-year-old son in Sabah.
Heartwarming connection
When loneliness weighs heavy, sincere friendship can uplift even the most fragile souls.
Kenneth hopes Noorul’s fatherly care for him will continue even though he is no longer Yakeb chairman.
Noorul said he will provide constant personal support for the former six-time national No 1 squash player in the 1980s and 1990s.
Already, he has got a donor to supply five exercise machines for Kenneth to help regain his independence and mobility.
The donor, Malliga Subramaniam, said the Swiss-made rehabilitation machines help restore motor function and coordination through assisted movements.
She said the other positives include a potential boost in psychological wellbeing, and a sense of independence.
Metro Eldercare owner, Ramesh Chelliah, said his staff will render every assistance to maximise the benefits of the exercise for Kenneth.
Kenneth said: “I’m grateful to all the good-hearted people for this opportunity, and am looking forward to using the machines for quick recovery.”
In his final days as Yakeb chairman, Noorul secured an allowance of RM 1,106 for Kenneth under the invalidity pension scheme of the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
He had earlier obtained different amounts in Socso pension for ex-national race walkers R Mogan and G Saravanan, and former sepak takraw player Suhaimi Yusof.
Past glories can sometimes be overshadowed by the challenges of later life.
The connection between Noorul and former national athletes stands as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.
A hands-on mission
Noorul led from the front, not from an office as Yakeb chairman.
As the head for six years from 2019 until March 7 this year, and as a board member from 2016, he was a relentless advocate for ex-national athletes.
The former national 3000m steeplechase runner knew the hurdles that awaited athletes after their careers ended.
This understanding drove him to dedicate his post-athletic career to uplifting fellow athletes who had fallen on hard times.
Noorul was a hands-on leader who worked tirelessly to aid former national athletes struggling with financial instability, poor health, and unemployment.
He was always on the ground, personally overseeing aid distribution, hospital visits, and financial assistance programmes.
His proactive approach and ability to garner media, public and corporate support for pressing cases set him apart.
Last year alone, he initiated 121 events to boost Yakeb’s profile.
Today, with about 3,200 members, Yakeb stands as a testament to his unrelenting commitment.
Noorul said Yakeb had about 2,500 members and was in debt of RM1 million when he first took office.
“It now has RM4 million in its coffers,” he glowed.
With the new leadership one month in, the sports community watches closely — will they carry the torch forward with the same passion and dedication?
