How a massage course helped a blind Malaysian rebuild his life

Saravanan stands patiently while his cousin, Saraswathi Murugan, adjusts his graduation robe. Photos: Malaysian Association for the Blind

Saravanan Kaniappan, 41, was in high spirits after receiving his massage therapy certificate from the Malaysian Association for the Blind's (MAB) Gurney Training Centre (GTC) in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday. (oct 4)

He was among 81 graduates celebrated at the event, made even more meaningful by the presence of his family members, who turned up in full force to share his proud moment.

"I'm happy to have graduated after the 18-month course. It means a lot to me, and now I can finally use my massage skills to earn a living," said Saravanan after the ceremony, held at MAB's headquarters in Brickfields, KL.

Wearing a navy blue graduation robe, Saravanan couldn't hide his joy as he marked a new milestone in his life.

It is hard to believe that just a few years ago, he was overwhelmed by hopelessness – and had even attempted to end his life.

Adjusting to life after a sudden loss of sight can be daunting. Photo: 123rf

Saravanan once worked as a vegetable seller at Pasar Besar Jalan Othman in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. But life took a tragic turn in 2021 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident at Taman Sri Manja, Kuala Lumpur.

The crash left him with torn corneas and the injuries eventually caused him to lose sight in both eyes.

He struggled to come to terms with his new reality.

"It was hard to accept my fate, especially after becoming totally blind. Life felt meaningless, and I had no will to go on," recalled Saravanan.

It was a psychiatrist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM) in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, who encouraged him to enrol in the masseuse training course offered by GTC.

The Malaysian Association for the Blind equips the blind with practical skills like massage, enabling them to earn an income. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan

Saravanan is among many who have felt overwhelmed with sadness after becoming disabled in an accident. But he has learned that grief can be overcome — and that support is always within reach.

"The training really helped me, and I've made many new friends at GTC. My trainers were very supportive, and the experience has changed the way I see life. Even though the accident left me blind, I've learned to accept it and stay positive."

Saravanan now works as a masseuse in Pusat Bandar Puchong, Selangor. He is more confident and thankful to be using his skills to build an independent life.

He currently lives in Taman Kinrara, sharing a home with other blind masseuses.

"Business is slowly picking up, and I wish I could earn a bit more. I want to encourage others with special needs to step out, try new things and never give up."

Empowering lives

The GTC was established in 1953 as the first formal training centre in Malaysia, designed to provide skills training for the blind.

It has produced over 3,000 graduates in various fields, including office management, computer systems operations, massage therapy and audio production.

Amirul Mukmin Muhammad Jamil (left) and Muhammad Kamarul Iman A Rahman were among the graduates of the Gurney Training Centre.

Besides GTC, MAB also runs a training and rehabilitation centre in Ipoh, offering basic skills and rehabilitation for people who lost their sight later in life due to accidents or conditions like cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Another MAB centre in Temerloh, Pahang, is being upgraded and will open as a regional training centre by mid-2026. It will offer industry-in-academy programmes and skills courses not available at GTC, including agriculture, handicraft and bakery production.

MAB chief executive officer Datuk George Thomas said training centres for the blind give visually impaired people access to quality skills and education.

"Our goal is to empower people with visual disabilities by giving them the right skills and education. With proper training, they can become independent, earn a living, and contribute meaningfully to society."

Thomas (centre, in a brown batik shirt) with staff members of the Malaysian Association for the Blind during the graduation ceremony.

He added that many blind people have also excelled in other courses organised by GTC.

"Since 2021, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam and Barakah Medical Centre in Port Klang, Selangor have worked with GTC to offer sports massage and professional physical health therapy courses. To date, over 140 professional therapists have been trained through this collaboration."

Thomas said MAB hopes the team will once again represent Malaysia in the 2nd Asia Massage Championship 2026 in Phuket, Thailand, in January.

"We hope this achievement will pave the way for Malaysia’s participation in the Abilympics — an international competition for professionals with disabilities — to be held in Helsinki, Finland, in 2027, covering 43 skill categories.

"We hope GTC will grow into Malaysia’s premier TVET (technical and vocational education and training) college for the blind, producing skilled, competitive and socially integrated individuals who contribute to the nation. 

Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/email [e-mail]/click here).