Koh Lee Peng Now Sells Her Products On Shopee

Former Paralympian, Koh Lee Peng

We Malaysians love to cheer on our national athletes, who make us proud each year with their achievements. In 2021, many of our athletes thrilled us with exceptional performances in international sporting events, as we supported them from our homes in the pandemic.

But the start of 2022 has led to an eye-opening discovery about one of our national athletes – former national para-athlete, Koh Lee Peng, was found selling handmade tissue holders for a living on the streets of KL. Thankfully, her goods are now available through Shopee so Malaysians can easily support her business.

Koh Lee Peng gets help to set up Shopee account

Koh Lee Peng Shopee account
Image credit: George Town, Penang

On 20th January 2022, Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament, Steven Sim, updated his Facebook account to share that he had helped former para-swimmer, Koh Lee Peng set up a Shopee account so she could sell her products online.

Koh received assistance from him after her story made rounds on social media, with many Malaysians expressing concern for her after finding out that she was selling tissue holders on the streets.

Koh Lee Peng with Steven Sim
Image credit: Steven Sim Chee Keong 沈志强

Steven wrote in his post that he offered Koh a helping hand by buying her entire stock for about RM17,000. He also assisted her in setting up a Shopee account so she could start selling her goods online.

His post has since gone viral, garnering over 12,000 reactions and 1,400 shares. Many Malaysians were glad to see the ex-national swimmer’s business getting the boost it deserves.

Just wants to make an honest living

Koh Lee Peng winning awards
Image credit: Penang State Sports Council

Koh selling tissues, tissue holders, and more for a living came to light when netizen Fayadh Wahab tweeted about meeting the former para-athlete at Bukit Bintang on 15th January 2021.

In a series of tweets, Fayadh detailed his experience meeting Koh, who wore a familiar Harimau Malaya striped T-shirt. She also introduced herself as a former para-athlete from Penang to him.

Saddened by the revelation, Fayadh took to social media to express his anger and highlight the Paralympic swimmer’s predicament so the authorities and public can take notice of her.

It should be noted that Koh, a former national Paralympian, won seven gold medals and three silvers at the Asean Para Games from 2001 to 2005. About ten years later, in 2015, she was named the Best Paralympic Sportswoman of Penang. This was followed by another recognition in 2017 – she was crowned Penang’s Female Paralympian of the Year for 2016.

Following her story going viral, Koh also revealed to reporters that it is her choice to conduct her business in public areas, as she strives to live independently. She is not “ashamed of this honest way of earning a living”, and only wants the public to treat her with kindness and respect when they meet her.

She is not permanently based in KL, but had been visiting the city with a friend, Andrew, when she was sighted by KL-ites. Together, the pair runs a registered company to help other people with disabilities.

Koh Lee Peng selling tissue holders for a living

Although it is disheartening to see one of our finest para-athletes having a hard time earning a living, we are certainly proud to witness her courage to stay independent. Despite the challenges she faced, it’s good to know that she can now sell her products online so many more can support her.

If you are a concerned Malaysian who wants to support Koh’s business online, you can check out her Shopee account for more details. Besides tissue holders, she also sells handmade pendants and earrings.