Koh Lee Peng, Malaysia’s former Paralympic swimmer, winning seven golds and three silver in her career at the ASEAN Para Games from 2001 to 2005 has left citizens stunned after she was to be selling tissues on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

The 2015 Penang’s Best Paralympic Sportswoman was spotted by a man who bought tissues from her.

Fayadh Wahab said that when she introduced herself as the famous Penang athlete, he almost broke into tears because of his compassion.

She repeatedly will tell people because she had been previously accused of ‘being used by syndicates’ and not a Malaysian.

Koh said, “Of course, I’m disappointed with people’s perception of me. I’m trying to earn an honest living by selling tissue paper. I’m not asking for donations.”

Seong Toh who had met Koh when they were both representing Penang in 2004 was saddened by her situation.

He said, “Lee Peng showed great discipline and perseverance. She was friendly towards everyone around her.”

He added that her case is just one of many other national paralympic athletes which are either forgotten, overlooked or ignored after some time.

Frankie Ang was imminent that he never encourages his children to join sports in Malaysia when they were younger.

“Luckily they listened to my advice. Any country but not in Malaysia, for God’s sake,” he said.

He sarcastically claimed that the easiest way to become rich is to be a politician.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE