Former Malaysian para athlete Koh Lee Peng seen crying while selling tissues, draws attention online

MALAYSIA: A Facebook post dated 9 May has gone viral after it shared a video showing former Malaysian para swimmer Koh Lee Peng visibly breaking down in tears in a public area while passers-by walked past.

The post called on the public for assistance, describing Koh as a former national para athlete who had previously represented Malaysia in international competitions.

It stated that she had long been selling tissues outside Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and had competed in events such as the ASEAN Para Games, where she was said to have won multiple gold and silver medals.

The post further suggested that following her retirement from competitive sports, she had been facing financial hardship and personal challenges.

The video quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread discussion among social media users regarding her circumstances.

Background reports on assistance and claims

According to a 2023 report by New Straits Times, the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) had rejected claims that it neglected Koh’s welfare or left her without support.

The report stated that Yakeb’s chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed said the foundation had provided multiple forms of assistance to Koh over the years.

However, he noted that some of the support offered was reportedly declined by her.

He also maintained that Yakeb had continued efforts to assist former athletes under its care and had not disregarded Koh’s situation.

Based on the same report, Yakeb had arranged a medical assessment for Koh and indicated that further support efforts would continue.

It was also reported that earlier assistance included wheelchair repairs, financial aid during festive periods, and equipment support for small business activities.

In addition, Yakeb had previously facilitated discussions for potential employment and kiosk opportunities, though these were reportedly not taken up.

Koh was quoted in the report as explaining that she declined coaching-related opportunities due to concerns over responsibility and her physical limitations following retirement from competitive sports.

She added that she preferred to sustain herself through independent small-scale business activities.

Separately, a report by SAYS highlighted Koh’s sporting achievements, stating that she had won seven gold and three silver medals at the ASEAN Para Games between 2001 and 2005.

She was also previously recognised by Penang sports authorities for her contributions to para sports.

The same report noted that she had been seen selling small items in public areas in Kuala Lumpur since 2019.

Meanwhile, based on a 2019 Berita Harian report, Koh had previously spoken about public misconceptions and negative remarks directed at her while she was selling tissue packets, including misunderstandings about her identity and assumptions that she was begging.

The issue surrounding her situation was also raised in Parliament in 2022.

According to a Facebook post by KiniTV, then Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Ti Lian Ker questioned why her business activities had become a public controversy, adding that assistance and opportunities had already been offered previously.

Public reactions highlight concerns over mental health and welfare

Online reactions to the viral video were mixed, with some social media users expressing sympathy and concern for Koh’s emotional well-being, while others argued that assistance had already been offered to her over the years.

Some commenters believed Koh may have been emotionally overwhelmed and called for psychological or emotional support.

"True. We often overlook mental health…"

Others, however, claimed the situation was not new and alleged that help and opportunities had previously been extended to the former athlete.

"Honestly, I was reluctant to share her story publicly for fear of being accused of damaging her reputation. But this has reportedly gone on for nearly 10 years with the same narrative, as though no one has helped her."

The commenter added that it is difficult for authorities or the public to intervene if it is ultimately her own choice, describing it as relying on public sympathy through “emotional selling”.

Similar sentiments were echoed by others who claimed assistance had been repeatedly offered in the past.

"This issue has been around for a long time.. People want to help her.. she doesn’t want it."

"Yup that’s right.. it has been long and she has been helped many times but she rejected it. Various initiatives including career opportunities have been offered, but she still chooses this path.

Meanwhile, some commenters attempted to strike a more balanced view, acknowledging that support may have been provided previously while also suggesting that Koh could currently be facing emotional distress.

"She usually wears Malaysia-related sports attire (KBS / MSN etc.). It is uncommon to see her recorded in such a state. It is possible she may be experiencing emotional distress."

The commenter added that relevant authorities have repeatedly offered assistance and placements, but her personal choices were respected.

"However, in this situation, emotional support may be needed to help her recover."

Some users also questioned whether former para athletes receive the same form of pension or welfare support as other national athletes.

"Don’t national athletes who contribute medals receive a pension based on their achievements? Or is it different for para athletes compared to able-bodied athletes?"

Others directed criticism towards the authorities, questioning whether more could have been done.

“That is the responsibility of the sports minister… why has there been no response or action from the minister?”

A few commenters also questioned the role of her family members and whether she had support from relatives.

"Doesn’t she have any family to help her.."