SHAH ALAM – Badminton star Lee Zii Jia has left fans worried and emotional after posting a series of disturbing illustrations on Instagram, without a single word of explanation.
The 27-year-old, usually known for his fiery presence on the court, uploaded a set of dark and eerie images.
These included haunting illustrations of a burning face, a face pierced with needles and a lifeless body lying on a sofa with blood flowing from it.
Other images showed shadowy figures, an empty void and scenes conveying an intense sense of isolation.
Adding to the concern, Lee also changed his Instagram profile picture to a completely black image, a move many interpreted as a silent cry for help.
Fans quickly flooded the comment section, offering love, strength and hope to the Kedah-born athlete.
Many wondered if he's battling depression or going through a tough mental patch.
One fan, Khai Yuen Chao, reminded him that it is fine to struggle and that healing is a process.
"I know it’s hard right now, but I believe in you. One step at a time, you will rise again," he posted.
Another Instagram user, @itsmeaqeela, reassured Lee that he wasn't alone in whatever he might be going through.
"You have us, Lee, we will always wait for you. Believe me, time will heal everything," she said.
Meanwhile, user @izazinazirah left an encouraging message, urging him not to let negative thoughts overwhelm him.
"Don’t think negatively, Jia. You have so many fans and supporters out there. Everything will be alright. Take care, Jia," she commented.
Despite the speculation, there has been no official statement from Lee or his management regarding the post.
Lee, from Kedah, has faced intense public scrutiny over the years following his exit from the national badminton team and his subsequent performance fluctuations on the international stage.
While his career has seen impressive highs, including winning the 2021 All England Open, he has also faced criticism and pressure during his professional journey.
This incident has once again brought to light the importance of mental health awareness, especially among public figures and athletes who are often under immense pressure to perform.
Fans continue to rally behind the Malaysian badminton star, hoping he is receiving the support he needs, both professionally and personally.