Golf industry veteran Sharudin Kamarudin has been given the all-clear after testing positive for Covid-19 last month.
After six days of treatment at Sungai Buloh Hospital, Saha, as he is known in golfing circles, has made a full recovery and is back home with his wife and two daughters.
“The most significant thing I learnt from this experience is that you have to always remain positive. That’s extremely important, not just in fighting this pandemic but life in general,” said Saha, a stalwart of the Asian golf industry for close to three decades.
“You look at things with a really different perspective. It makes you realise how fragile life is. I am thankful to have had the support of my family and friends while I was in the hospital and quarantined at home,” said Saha, who previously served in managerial posts at The Mines Resort, Kota Permai Golf & Country Club and The Els Club Teluk Datai.
Saha is currently attached to Singapore-headquartered management company Champions Golf in a General Manager capacity at a golf club in Johor.
The 48-year-old believes that he contracted Covid-19 from a housemate in the southern state.
Shortly after returning to Kuala Lumpur on March 17, Saha began feeling unwell. “I started having high fever and body aches on March 20, and just had no appetite. Two days later I found out that my housemate had tested positive for Covid-19, so I immediately went for the swab test in Shah Alam. While waiting for the results, I started practising social distancing with my wife and children at home and didn’t go out at all,” he recalled.
The six days in hospital were an eye-opening and uplifting experience for Saha, who paid tribute to the medical staff at the Sungai Buloh facility, describing them as truly dedicated and extremely professional.
“The doctors and nurses really took care of us and also provided emotional support and motivation. Despite us being infected, they were not afraid to get close to us, which was really touching. That helped lift our spirits,” said Saha, adding that they were placed in rooms with four patients each.
“Me and my roommates were very supportive of each other, providing words of encouragement and reminding everyone to take their meds. While no one could visit us, we kept in touch with family and close friends using our phones. I prayed a lot and that helped me stay positive.”
It took three to four days of treatment before Saha started feeling better. On the sixth day, the good news came … he tested negative for Covid-19 and was discharged.
But it was not over yet. Saha’s wife, Sulastri, and two daughters, 22-year-old Yumi Hilda and 16-year-old Yurika Vivianna, had undergone Covid-19 tests on March 31 as a precaution and were awaiting the results. Finally, on April 7, the hospital called and they were all given a clean bill of health.
As he adjusts to life post-Covid-19, Saha is spending time gardening and doing some exercises to regain fitness.
“I’m taking it step by step. Like I said, you always have to be positive. Never take things for granted and appreciate every moment that is given to you,” he said.
Saha signed off with some advice to all Malaysians as the nation battles the pandemic. “Maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat lots of vegetables and fruits, and take vitamin C. If you feel unwell with symptoms like high fever, body aches and dry cough, don’t be afraid to go to the hospital for a check-up. Our medical personnel are among the best in the world and they will know what to do.
“During the Movement Control Order, and even beyond, it’s crucial that we all play our part so we can defeat this common enemy.”
*Article by Jonathan Ponniah, ParGolf
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