KUALA LUMPUR: National motocross rider Mohd Habibullah Mohd Saleh, known as Gabit, can breathe a sigh of relief after receiving assistance from the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) for his nasal cancer treatment.

Yakeb chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said the decision was made following an unanimous agreement of the foundation's board members to approve the eligibility criteria for motorsports athletes.

"He (Gabit) is currently undergoing follow up treatment, and we will also help facilitate the appropriate assistance for his treatment. 

"If he receives treatment at a government hospital, the treatment costs will be covered by Yakeb, and we will also provide other incentives," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the 'Prihatin Sukan, Untukmu Jaguh' programme, organised by the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation at Universiti Teknologi Mara on Friday (July 4). .

It was earlier reported that Gabit was in the process of becoming a Yakeb member but faced several issues in submitting the necessary documentation.

He was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2021, and after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the 34-year-old former rider was declared cancer-free in 2023.

Currently, he has completed 18 chemotherapy sessions at the National Cancer Institute (IKN), which were self-funded. - Bernama