Former national striker James Wong, also known as King James, said he trained under Chow for only a while when he first joined the national team.
“I can’t remember when was that but he became part of the coaching staff. Kwai Lam was a strict coach… he works players very hard during training.
“It’s a sad loss for the country. I hope the family stays strong and our deepest condolences to them,” said Wong who was the first Sabahan to play for Malaysia in 1971.
Another former national striker Matlan Marjan said he had never trained under Chow but had heard good things about the former Selangor, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur coach.
“I believe it was during his time that we saw the emergence of many local Chinese players in Malaysian football.
“He was known as a firm, serious and highly disciplined coach,” said Matlan who became the first Sabahan to captain Malaysia and also score two goals against England in a 4-2 friendly defeat to the Three Lions back in 1991.
Meanwhile, former head coach of the Sabah senior football team Justin Ganai said Chow was well respected among his peers.
“He was one of the most senior coaches and many looked up to him,” he said.
Chow, who represented Malaysia from 1965 to 1971, passed away at the Ampang Puteri Hospital this morning. He was 76.