KUALA LUMPUR – It’s not just a swim. It’s a story of struggle, strength, and the silent battles fought beneath the surface.
On August 30th, 20 swimmers will brave the open sea for a 10-kilometre journey from Pulau Lang Tengah to Pulau Redang. But this is no ordinary sporting event as it is a living tribute to the late Jo-Ee Gwee, a radiant soul who gave everything she could to others, even as she wrestled with the shadows within herself.
Jo-Ee’s passing by suicide on November 19, 2024, broke many hearts. She was not only an award-winning accountant in Kuala Lumpur, having received the prestigious Chairman’s Award in 2024 for her outstanding social contributions, but also a tireless volunteer, conservationist, and animal lover. From rescuing stray kittens to releasing baby turtles into the ocean, she brought light into the lives of both humans and creatures alike.
But even the brightest stars have moments when their light dims. Behind her vibrant smile and giving heart, Jo-Ee was quietly battling deep depression. In 2020, she survived a suicide attempt that led her to spend nine days in a psychiatric ward a turning point in her life. She celebrated her 34th birthday there, not with despair, but with a new understanding: that emotional support can save lives.
She later opened up publicly about her struggles, including the pain of losing a dear friend to suicide in 2018. In July 2024, Jo-Ee stood before a crowd at TEROKA by MUDA and, with raw honesty, shared her journey. She spoke not as a survivor, but as someone still fighting and in doing so, gave courage to many who suffer in silence.
Diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, she took a two-year sabbatical to heal. It was during this time that she rediscovered her sanctuary: the sea. A certified scuba diver and freediver, Jo-Ee found peace underwater the silence, the rhythm, the vastness it all gave her strength.
In late 2023, she began training in open water swimming. She went on to compete in a 4km race at Pulau Perhentian, placing second in her age group a personal victory that reignited her spirit. With the encouragement of her swim community, Jo-Ee set her sights on a solo 10km swim, timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day in October 2024.
She called it “Courage in the Current.” It was her message to the world that fighting mental illness takes immense bravery, and that no one should have to swim through life’s storms alone. She partnered with Befrienders KL to turn the swim into a fundraising and awareness campaign, aiming to raise RM15,000 to cover safety logistics and support their life-saving emotional helpline.
But Jo-Ee would never complete that swim.
Though she is no longer with us, her mission lives on carried forward by those who love her, believe in her, and understand the urgency of her message.
The swim will go on, and each stroke taken will honour Jo-Ee’s indomitable spirit. Each wave crossed will represent a beacon of hope for others who are silently struggling. The goal now is even bigger to raise RM65,000 for Befrienders KL and Life Line Association Malaysia, which provides similar mental health support in Mandarin.
Since fundraising began on May 26, nearly 80% of the target has already been reached. More details are available at https://legacy.simplygiving.com/courage.
Jo-Ee’s story is not an isolated one. In the past five years, more than 4,400 Malaysians have taken their own lives. Stigma, silence, and a lack of understanding continue to rob lives. The swim is more than a tribute. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a collective cry for change.
This is not a race. It is a remembrance, a call for compassion, and a movement towards healing. Every pledge, every share, every word of support they matter. They can save someone’s life.
Jo-Ee may no longer walk among us, but her courage flows through this current stirring the hearts of those left behind, lighting the path for those still lost in the dark. May this swim teach us to be braver, kinder, and more open.
And may no one ever have to swim alone again.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, please reach out to Befrienders KL at 03-76272929. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. -Malaya Daily Today
