Romli's leg wound a bane

By Nadia Badarudin

IN his glory days, Romli Desa made Malaysia proud of his skills and talent in cycling.

Known as "'Raja Bukit" (King of the Hills), Romli started making a name for himself in cycling after representing the country at the Southeast Asian Peninsular (Seap) Games when he was 20.

The Sungai Petani-born cyclist also actively coached youths in Kedah, and fervently hoped for them to represent Malaysia.

Now, at 58, he cannot even cycle.

In a freak accident in 1980, Romli’s right leg was nearly severed at the ankle. — Pic: SYAHARIM ABIDIN

In a freak accident in 1980, Romli's right leg was nearly severed at the ankle. He was hospitalised for a year, and because of the accident, was unable to walk properly or cycle again.

He became disabled.

He had no choice but to give up the career he loved so much.

Although the accident happened more than 25 years ago, Romli's leg has yet to be fully healed.

"I have to go to a private clinic to get the wound cleaned and the dressing changed everyday. The medical bills and medicines alone cost me more than RM400 a month," said Romli.

The former Sungai Petani Municipal Council driver lives with his wife, Muhaizah Ali, 55, a homemaker, and two children -- aged 15 and 19 -- and survives on a pension of RM700 a month.

He has four other children who are married and living with their own families.

"Several years ago, I could still try to make ends meet with a small catering business with the help of my wife and children.

"Unfortunately, I now find going to wet markets to buy the necessities for the business an uphill task. My foot cannot take it," he said, before adding that he and his wife survive by doing odd jobs.

He applied to the welfare department for aid but had not received any response.

Romli, whose talent was discovered by the Kedah Cycling Association in the early 70s, first represented Malaysia in the track and highway categories at the seventh Seap Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1971.

He came to prominence when his team took gold in the team category at the 1973 Seap Games in Singapore.

Romli, who finished second in the pre-qualification test for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, won gold at the Track Cycling Malaysia Open Tournament organised by the Penang Cycling Association and was declared the country's best cyclist in 1973.

The year also saw Romli win the "King of the Hills" title in the Four-Levels Kuala Lumpur-Alor Star Cycling Tournament.

Romli started coaching and sharing his knowledge and expertise with several cycling associations in the state before the accident.

His plight is among those highlighted in the National Athletes' Charity Foundation's (YAKEB) 1Ringgit 1Malaysia donation drive.

"I wish that my injury heals, I wish I could continue to train youngsters who share the same passion for cycling. I want them to make Malaysia proud," he said.

Those who wish to contribute to the 1Ringgit 1Malaysia campaign can send their donations to YAKEB's Maybank account number 564847005696 or SMS YAKEB1 to donate RM1, YAKEB2 for RM2, YAKEB5 for RM5 and YAKEB10 for RM10 and send to 33898.

Donation boxes are also located at NSTP headquarters and branch offices as well as at Bank Simpanan Nasional and post office branches nationwide.

For enquiries, contact 03-89964841/4844 or log on to www.yakeb.org.my

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