1-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia has been home to numerous talented athletes who have showcased their skills and achieved great success over the years. Unfortunately, some of these athletes have faced hardships and been forgotten by the public as time goes on. One such athlete is Kenneth Low, a former six-time national No. 1 squash player, who now finds himself struggling to make ends meet as a cleaner at an archery centre.
In a heart-wrenching interview with FMT (Free Malaysia Today), the 47-year-old Low revealed that he is not only facing financial difficulties but also coping with the devastating effects of a stroke. The stroke has left him with impairments in coordination, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and short-term memory function. However, he lacks the financial means to undergo tests that would determine the extent of brain damage he has suffered.
Once ranked No. 4 in Asia and No. 38 in the world, Low’s life has taken a sharp turn as he now earns a living working as a cleaner at the Best Archery Centre in Glo Damansara. Previously, he had worked alongside foreign workers cleaning floors, mirrors, and elevator interiors at condominiums.
Despite his dramatic fall from grace, Low remains grateful to have a job that brings in a monthly salary of RM1,500. He acknowledges that it is a matter of survival and expresses his gratitude for being able to earn a living, recognizing that many others are not as fortunate.
Low also expressed his appreciation to Jeffrey Kok, the owner-coach of Best Archery Centre, for giving him a chance to make the most of his challenging situation. Kok was initially shocked by the extent of Low’s disabilities and his struggles with even basic tasks. However, he praised Low’s determination to start anew and called him a “survivor” for his resilience.
Low’s situation reflects a recurring issue in Malaysia’s sporting scene, where athletes who have brought honor to the country often fade into obscurity once their glory days are over. However, Low’s story came to light when he was visited by National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman Noorul Ariffin, who was informed of his situation by ex-national high jumper Loo Kum Zee. Following the visit, Noorul pledged to expedite Low’s medical treatment and provide him with a monthly allowance of RM300.
