KUALA LUMPUR – The plight of former national squash star, Kenneth Low, who was believed to have been suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), continues to concern the sports fraternity.
His suffering from a chronic central nervous system disorder for approximately two years might be due to a mild stroke instead.
National Athletes’ Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman, Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed said that the 44-year-old former national champion collapsed while performing his duties at a clinic in Petaling Jaya about two months ago.
Due to concerns over his health, Noorul said Yakeb immediately arranged a follow-up for Kenneth at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital to determine the extent of his illness.
However, he was suggested by the doctor to get a full medical diagnosis from a research centre in South Korea instead.
“The hospital will draw a blood sample from Kenneth and send it to a medical research centre in South Korea to identify the exact nature of his condition… is it a stroke, MS, or another disease, we are not sure.
“Earlier, we thought that he was suffering from MS, but it might not be so,” he said.
Kenneth, a national top player in the mid-90s, has been facing health setbacks which make it difficult for him to perform daily chores.
He has worked in various coaching roles across many states and also took up jobs as a cleaner at restaurants and apartments.
Before he was employed at the clinic in September, he worked as a cleaner at an archery centre in Damansara. Noorul said he was informed that Kenneth collapsed while on duty approximately two months ago, prompting immediate action from Yakeb to ensure his safety.
Kenneth is now under the care of a welfare home in Cheras and unable to work for the time being.
“Because he’s been staying alone, we would not want to risk any further injury to him, and for the sake of his safety, we immediately arranged for Kenneth to be under care at the welfare home in Cheras.
“He has no family here and no one can take care of him,” Noorul added.
While undergoing rehabilitation for the past couple of months, Noorul said that Kenneth has shown improvement, regaining the ability to walk and speak.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by Kenneth, Yakeb received a contribution of RM5,000 from prominent corporate figure Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, during a charity squash event with the sport’s icon, Datuk Nicol David, that was held yesterday.
This contribution, among others, will directly support Kenneth’s medical treatment and Yakeb is committed to monitoring his progress and providing ongoing assistance.
“Any help that we receive, such as one from Tan Sri, we will extend help directly to Kenneth.
“Yakeb will always monitor Kenneth’s progress… we will not let go of our responsibility,” he added.
Noorul also said that the comprehensive test results from the South Korean medical research centre are expected early next year. – December 10, 2023
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