Ex-cyclist Shah Nazad thankful to Yakeb for restoring his livelihood

Yakeb chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail (centre) hands over the repaired boat engine to former national cyclist Shah Nazad Aman Shah (second from right) under the foundation's assistance scheme. - Yakeb

PETALING JAYA: Former national cyclist Shah Nazad Aman Shah can finally get back to work after the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) repaired the engine of his fishing boat, restoring his main source of income.

Shah Nazad represented Malaysia at the 1987 SEA Games in Jakarta alongside Datuk Ng Joo Ngan, Rosman Alwi and M. Kumaresan.

After retiring from cycling, he turned to fishing for a living. But his livelihood came to a halt when the engine of the boat he relies on for work broke down.

Yakeb chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, accompanied by Joo Ngan, who is also a Yakeb committee member, visited Port Klang on Thursday to hand over the repaired engine to Shah Nazad under the foundation’s assistance scheme.

For Shah Nazad, the boat is more than just a fishing vessel.

It is his main source of income, and the engine failure had left him unable to work and support himself.

“I’m very grateful to Yakeb for this assistance.

“When my boat engine broke down, I faced a very difficult situation because this boat is how I earn a living,” he said.

“When Yakeb came to see my situation and offered to repair the engine, it really meant a lot to me.

“I truly appreciate Yakeb for always looking out for former athletes, especially when we genuinely need help.

“This support has not only allowed me to restart my fishing business, but has also given me the motivation to keep working and remain independent.”

At the same time, Shapawi said the needs of former athletes after retirement extend beyond healthcare and medical treatment, with many also requiring support to rebuild their livelihoods and maintain a stable income.

“Yakeb does not see this as simply repairing a boat engine. It’s about helping a former national athlete regain his independence.

‘’When his boat could no longer operate, his income was affected too.

“So we stepped in to restore his source of livelihood so that he could get back to work and continue supporting himself.

“More importantly, assistance like this is not just about providing temporary relief.

“We want to help former athletes get back on their feet and continue building their lives,” said Shapawi.