KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and the Terengganu Hockey Association (THA) will financially support Mohamad Asmawi Zaidi, a former national junior hockey player.
The MHC’s response comes after the circulation of several viral video clips on social media showing Asmawi – once a goalkeeper for the junior national team – wandering barefoot and speaking incoherently in Taman Kerang, Kuantan. He is believed to be mentally distressed.
He was part of the squad that played international matches against the likes of Germany, India, and Pakistan.
Now aged 36, Asmawi reportedly left his hockey career behind and returned to his hometown in Kemaman, Terengganu, when he was around 25 years old.
Having started playing hockey at the age of 12, Asmawi was also part of the Terengganu state team on several occasions at the Malaysian Games (Sukma).
Speaking to Scoop, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that Asmawi was recently found by the Pahang Welfare Department and is currently receiving treatment at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital.
Subahan added that MHC, together with the Terengganu hockey, will be engaging with National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail to explore avenues of support for Asmawi, once his treatment concludes.
“We are currently waiting for the final reports from the doctors regarding Asmawi’s treatment at the hospital.
“After that, MHC and THA will determine how we can best assist him, including through discussions with Yakeb.
“Although it’s challenging for us to secure full support from Yakeb – firstly because he’s not a registered member and secondly because he didn’t meet certain criteria, such as regular first team appearances in competitions like Sukma – we will still do everything we can to help.
“MHC strongly believes in supporting our hockey players in their time of need.
“Financial aid for ongoing treatment and efforts to help him rebuild his life will definitely be extended by both MHC and the Terengganu hockey body.
“We hope and pray that Asmawi can return to good health in the near future,” said Subahan when contacted.
Reports indicate that Asmawi has frequently been spotted at night in Taman Kerang, searching for leftover food. When someone tries to give him food, he allegedly becomes restless and mumbles incoherently.
For the record, Asmawi was also part of the 2009 Junior Hockey World Cup squad in Johor Bahru, where the Young Tigers finished 12th out of 20 teams. – May 13, 2025