Faisal, who has known the local football legend turned pundit since 1975, had just met Shebby a week before Christmas and noticed that his friend had lost some weight.

“Shebby came to my house in Kluang, Johor, we had a drink and he talked about his family, his job as well as his cycling hobby.

“He loved cycling on his own. He’s always been more of an introvert and he never cycled in groups.

“He was also someone who was fit and placed great emphasis on his health,” he told FMT, after paying his last respects to the ex-footballer at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Skudai today.

Faisal described Shebby’s passing as a great loss for Malaysian football, for both fans and those directly involved in the industry.

Meanwhile, Shebby’s son, Sonuljit Singh, thanked those who had expressed their condolences over his father’s passing — from sports television personalities to former teammates and politicians.

“My family and I want to thank everyone for the love and respect shown, even on social media. It was a very nice thing to see.

“I also hope everyone can give us room to go through this period,” he said.

Around 50 friends, family members and acquaintances of Shebby had come to the memorial centre here this evening to pay their last respects to him.

The cortege will be leaving at 7am tomorrow for Kuala Lumpur, where a wake will be held at the Loke Yew crematorium at 2pm. His body will then be cremated at 4pm.

He had reportedly died yesterday evening while cycling. He was 61.

Iskandar Puteri district police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar confirmed Shebby’s death, saying it happened while he was cycling alone in Sunway Iskandar.