PETALING JAYA: The King and Queen have conveyed their condolences to the family of football legend Serbegeth Singh.

       "The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong convey their condolences to the family of football legend Serbegeth Singh who passed away yesterday (Jan 12)," according to a statement on the Istana Negara Facebook page on Thursday (Jan 13).

       In the statement, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandari, said they were saddened by the death of Serbegeth and hoped that his family would remain patient and strong.

       “Their Majesties greatly appreciate his services and sacrifices to the country and his passing is a big loss to Malaysian football,” read the statement.

       It is believed that the late Serbegeth, fondly known as Shebby to his peers and Malaysian football fans, passed away due to a heart attack aged 61 while cycling in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

       Shebby made his football debut in 1978 when he played for Johor and went on to play for sides like Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak until 1996.

       He played for Malaysia from 1982 to 1991.

       Serbegeth played in three Asian Games in 1982, 1986 and 1990, and was a SEA Games gold medallist in 1989.

       In the early 2000s, Shebby was also a football columnist in The Star's 'Football Every Day' weekly pullout as well as a regular guest in the pullout's podcasts.