KUALA LUMPUR: Former Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) honorary secretary Yap Tee Loy has died at the age of 83.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced the passing of Tee Loy through a post on its social media account today.
"BAM extends its deepest condolences to Tee Loy's family, friends and colleagues. His contributions to badminton will never be forgotten," said BAM.
BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh said Tee Loy's death is a great loss to the sport in Malaysia.
"Tee Loy contributed a lot to BAM in terms of working with all the technical officials, ensuring that tournaments were run properly and fair.
"Badminton was his life and I remember him as a dedicated worker. Once he was not feeling well but still came to the stadium to ensure the tournament was running smoothly," Kenny said.
Tee Loy, affectionately known as "Uncle Yap", served as KLBA honorary secretary from 1986 to 1997 under the late Datuk Punch Gunalan.
An experienced technical official, Tee Loy served as an umpire and a referee in major tournaments, including the Olympics, Asian and Sea Games, as well as competitions by the Badminton World Federation for more than four decades.
Tee Loy joined BAM as tournament manager and officer in charge of BAM technical officials in 2000 before leaving in 2009.