Dr Taufiq Johari says his ministry is assessing the former athlete’s needs and medical costs to ensure he and his family receive sufficient assistance.
Taufiq said the ministry would continue to assist and oversee Saravanan’s welfare, and would not neglect the welfare of veteran athletes who have brought international glory to the nation.
“The ministry and the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) are assessing his current needs and medical costs, including physiotherapy, medical treatment and other monthly expenses, to ensure the assistance provided is sufficient for him and his family,” Bernama reported him as saying after the visit in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Saravanan, 56, Malaysia’s only Commonwealth Games athletics gold medallist, was diagnosed with MND in 2021 and now relies on a feeding tube, requiring constant care.
FMT previously reported that his battle with MND has progressively stripped away his ability to walk, speak, and eat.
Taufiq spent about half an hour visiting Saravanan, during which he also gave him a personal contribution.
Yakeb chairman Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said the foundation has provided various forms of aid to Saravanan since he fell ill, including a monthly contribution of RM500 to alleviate the family’s financial burden.
“Yakeb has channelled over RM30,000 to Saravanan. We have been monitoring his disease’s progression since he was diagnosed and are doing our best to help his family,” he said.
Saravanan’s wife, M Sassikala, 53, said his condition was stable and showing slight positive development, although he still requires a ventilator at night to assist his breathing. - FMT
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