Malaysian netizens referred to as on the federal government to assist former para-athletes after a former Malaysian Paralympic champion was noticed promoting tissues for a dwelling in Kuala Lumpur.
With 5 of her medals hanging round her neck, she asks Yang if he wished a small or massive packet of tissue.
Whereas chatting with Yang, Koh explains her present scenario.
“I’ve no alternative. I’ve to stay. Issues are getting costly. I’ve to depend on myself. I’ve payments to pay month-to-month,” Koh says.
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Based on information studies, Koh beforehand held an workplace job.
She determined to go away as she confronted accessibility points, together with the truth that her office constructing didn’t have lifts.
The previous para-swimmer represented Malaysia on the Asean Para Video games from 2001 to 2005, successful seven gold and three silver medals. Koh was named Penang’s Finest Paralympic Sportswoman in 2015 and Penang’s Feminine Paralympian of the 12 months in 2016.
The TikTok video has since garnered over 440,000 views and greater than 37,000 likes, with many viewers calling for officers to intervene.
Customers reportedly tagged Hannah Yeoh, youth and sports activities minister and member of Parliament for Segambut, to convey Koh’s scenario to her consideration.
Nevertheless, it’s reportedly not the primary time Koh made headlines for promoting tissues.
Final 12 months, a Twitter consumer who witnessed Koh promoting tissue covers in Bukit Bintang additionally referred to as for a coverage change to handle para-athletes.
Nevertheless, Koh reportedly rejected the presents as she wished to be “independent,” including that she desires to stay independently and that she is just not “ashamed of this trustworthy means of incomes a dwelling.”
Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed, chairman of the Nationwide Athletes’ Welfare Basis (YAKEB), informed social media customers to cease sensationalizing and exploiting Koh’s predicament for his or her private agenda.
Don’t tarnish the great repute and identify of nationwide athletes for private or political achieve. It’s going to spark a damaging notion that may trigger public confusion and lead to a scarcity of assist for nationwide athletes.
The previous athlete reportedly earns about RM800 (roughly $186) per 30 days promoting tissues. She additionally receives RM300 (roughly $70) month-to-month as help from the YAKEB.
