Get To Know Dato’ Dr. M. Jegathesan, Also Known As ‘The Flying Doctor of Malaysia’

Dato’ Dr. M. Jegathesan or people would also know as Jegathesan Manikavasagam is actually often referred to as the Flying Doctor of Malaysia for his own athletic achievements in Asia, despite being firstly a medical student and then a doctor. He was such an icon in the 1960s, regarded as the “Golden Era” of Malaysian athletics. In his own heyday, he was regarded as the fastest man in Asia. He served the government health service for a total of 32 years including the posts of Director of the Institute for Medical Research and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health.

In the year 1966, he proudly earned the accolade of being the fastest man in Asia by winning a total of three gold medals at the Bangkok Asian Games in the 100 m, 200 m, and also 400 m events. At the Kingston Commonwealth Games in 1966, Dr. Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard race. Forty years later, Dr. Jegathesan had become an accomplished athlete, well-known doctor, researcher, and also made the country proud.

Picture: Alchetron

Dato’ Dr. M. Jegathesan has competed in three consecutive Olympics, namely Rome in 1960, Tokyo in 1964, and also Mexico in the year 1968. Dr. Jega also has the distinction of appearing in two 200 m semi-finals in the Olympics and his time of 20.92 s, set in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics, still remains intact in the Malaysian athletics records book. His own 200m national record in the year 1968 is probably the oldest in the records books but as much as he would love to see his record remain unbroken, he really hopes that all the Malaysian athletes would strive harder to not only smash his record but also reinstate the country’s status as a leading power in athletics, just like in the 1960s.

He was conferred the Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Perak honorary award by the Sultan of Perak in 1992, which carries the title Dato’. In addition, he also received the National Science Award in the year 1995 for his own achievement in discovering a bacterium in 1993, which was named after him. That is the bacillus thuringiensis Sorovar Jegathesan.

Sources: National Archives Of Malaysia.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Stranger Things Returns This November And the Upside Down Is Bringing New Secrets With It

Hey creepaholics, the nightmare society is calling for backup!  November is coming to turn your… Read More

10 hours ago

HABIB x Zoo Negara Unveil Limited-Edition Gold Wafers Celebrating Malaysia’s Wildlife Heritage

Calling for gold keepers! On October 24, HABIB will launch its exclusive Limited Edition HABIB… Read More

12 hours ago

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury… Read More

16 hours ago

Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health

Beneath the Armor: Men's Hidden Battle With Mental Health “Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy,… Read More

1 day ago

Carolina Herrera Dares the Good Girl to Move in Audacity!

A touch of elegance, a scent of confidence. Carolina Herrera and Swarovski will bring light… Read More

2 days ago

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.