The duo, often compared to the TV detectives from the late 1970s series “Starsky & Hutch”, were instrumental in taking down some of Penang’s most dangerous criminals.

Loganathan, 75, died after he collapsed at about 1.15pm on Tuesday while watching television at his son’s house in UEP Subang Jaya.

He would not only be missed by his family but also by Manickam, who is heartbroken at losing his friend.

The duo often made headlines back in the day, with pictures of them hauling in criminals splashed across the pages of newspapers.

But for Manickam, Loganathan was more than just a partner of eight years in the police force – he was a comrade in arms, sharing both the risks and the rewards of their heroic work on the streets.

Manickam, 77, remembered Loganathan as a brave and loyal friend, describing him as “the best partner a policeman could ask for”.

“I’m very sad. He was a good partner of mine in Butterworth.

“He was always there for me, whether we were chasing down armed robbers or helping young offenders turn their lives around. I wouldn’t have achieved what I did without him,” he said.

Start of a partnership

Manickam recalled that he first met Loganathan when he was transferred to Butterworth in 1974. Loganathan was a detective corporal while Manickam was a sergeant-major.

As his junior, Loganathan joined Manickam in the secret society, gaming and vice branch – commonly known as the “SS branch” – which was responsible for cracking down on triad groups.

He said Loganathan always followed his lead and the two of them worked together like a well-oiled machine. “I did most of the sprinting, while he did all the long-distance running.

“When we were young, he ate healthy and exercised. I expected him to live up to 85,” he said.

The pair’s fearless reputation was built on many successful operations.

Manickam recalled an incident where they were chasing after a robber. Determined to catch him, Manickam threw himself off a motorcycle to apprehend the suspect. Loganathan, always in sync with his partner, had leapt off the motorcycle moments before that.

Family man

Loganathan’s son, Naraindrran, 43, said his father had been living with him for the past two years.

When Loganathan collapsed on Tuesday, Naraindrran tried to revive him but was not successful.

Naraindrran said Loganathan was physically fit but he was in the early stages of dementia. He said his father was athletic and dedicated to his family. “He would come home after work and join us for football matches, always with his boots slung over his shoulder. I will miss him dearly.”

Life after the police force

Loganathan served the police force for 34 years, mostly in Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam. His final role was as prosecuting officer in George Town, holding the rank of chief inspector, before opting for early retirement.

After leaving the police force, he graduated with a law degree but did not practise. He later joined the Pelita restaurant group, where he managed its operations for several years, but left two years ago after experiencing early onset of dementia.

Loganathan’s wife, L Visalakshi, died in 2010 at the age of 53, and the family endured another tragedy last year when his younger son, Vijiandrren, died of a heart attack at the age of 40.

Loganathan is survived by Naraindrran and two grandchildren, aged three and 12 years.

He was one of nine siblings born in Penang. His siblings included the late veteran journalist Sugumaran, artist Gunabalan, and Gurunathan, the first Malaysian to serve as a mayor in a New Zealand town. His other siblings are Jeganathan, Linganath, Muraly, Gnanambigai and Vasanthy.

The funeral rites will take place at KL Funeral Services at 6, Jalan TK 2/1a, Taman Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor, from 2pm on Oct 16, followed by cremation at the Subang Jaya City Council’s crematorium on Jalan Bunga Kertas, Bandar Puchong Utama, at 4.30pm.