Former Malaysian Junior Hockey Star Seen Wandering Barefoot & Shirtless In KL
He is said to be battling mental illness.
Cover image via Harian MetroSeveral TikTok videos have gone viral showing a man wandering aimlessly and rambling incoherently around Kuala Lumpur, barefoot and appearing mentally unstable
According to Harian Metro, social media users identified him as Mohamad Asmawi Zaidi, once a rising star in Malaysian hockey who had represented the country at youth-level international tournaments.
Asmawi, now 36, was a member of Malaysia's Under-16 squad and a familiar name during the 2009 Junior World Cup in Johor Bahru.
He began playing hockey at the age of 12 and trained at the prestigious Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar, now known as Sekolah Sukan Tunku Ismail.
Image via Harian Metro
A former teammate who played alongside him during SUKMA and on the national youth squad described him as a solid hockey player
"It's heartbreaking to see Mawi like this. I've known him since we were kids. This… this isn't the Asmawi I knew," he was quoted as saying.
According to his friend, Asmawi returned to his hometown after stepping away from professional hockey at around age 25.
He is believed to have been struggling with mental health issues for several years, and this isn't the first time he's had a public breakdown.
"I was told he had recovered once, after getting proper hospital treatment five years ago. I didn't expect to see him back in this state. I just hope someone steps in to help him again," he said.
Image via Harian Metro
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know is lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Email: sam@befrienders.org.my
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: taliannur@kpwkm.gov.my
Website | Facebook
3. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm – 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: buddybear@humankind.my
Facebook | Instagram
For a more thorough directory of resources, head over to the websites of Malaysian Mental Health Association or MINDAKAMI.
