Yakeb to take care of Ramayah’s needs and help rally for public aid

PETALING JAYA: Former top Malaysian golfer M. Ramayah’s (pic) needs will be taken care of, according to National Athletes’ Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed.

The former World Cupper, who has been struck by cancer, was admitted to hospital yesterday to treat bedsore wounds.

“He has been bed-ridden for some time and needs help to treat the wounds,” said Noorul, who visited the 68-year-old Ramayah earlier in the week and also to register him as a national athlete with Yakeb.

“We will help cover the costs and also provide diapers and mattress to prevent the bed sores.

“We will also discuss what can be done to rally for public aid as Ramayah has contributed a lot to the country.

“We want the family to know they are not alone in their time of need.’’

Ramayah was Malaysia’s No. 1 golfer and a name to be reckoned with in the region in the 80s and 90s. Ramayah, who started out as a caddie, turned pro by the age of 18. He is one of the very few Malaysians who has played with Tiger Woods, playing in the same flight as the American when Malaysia hosted the 1999 World Cup.

Ramayah and partner P. Gunasegaran represented the country in the tournament won by Woods and his partner Mark O’Meara.

Ramayah and Gunasegaran also finished ninth at the 1994 World Cup in Puerto Rico – still the best achievement by a Malaysian pair.