Some people are so dead set on getting their names into the record books that they’ll do the craziest things you can imagine. And Malaysia is no stranger to setting world records.
Just so happens Malaysia holds some wacky, bizarre ones that’ll surely knock your socks off. So, sit back and discover these 9 mind-blowing Malaysian records you might not know about!
1. The world’s heaviest train pulled using teeth (Rathakrishnan Velu, also known as King Tooth)
Velu Rathakrishnan shocked the world when he pulled off the Guinness World Record for pulling the heaviest train with his teeth — yes, you heard that right, with his teeth!
Velu Rathakrishnan used his teeth to pull 2 KTM commuter trains on 18 October 2003. With a cable clenched between his teeth, he dragged a massive total weight of 260.8 tonnes (574,964 lb) along the rails at Kuala Lumpur Railway Station in Malaysia, covering a distance of 4.2 meters (13 ft 9 in). His dentist might not be too pleased when he pays a visit after that stunt!
2. The world’s fastest man to pierce 4 coconuts with 1 finger (Ho Eng Hui)
Ho Eng Hui is something of legend. Back in 2009, he pulled off something amazing by piercing through 4 coconuts in just 12.15 seconds using only 1 finger.
The Johor martial arts masters from showcased his jaw-dropping talent by breaking the shells of 4 coconuts with just a finger in Milan, Spain, back in 2011. It was also reported that he broke his finger 3 times in the past while attempting this.
3. The world’s highest number of costume change illusions in one minute (Avery Chin and Sylvia Lim)
Ever wondered how long it takes for an average person to switch between 24 sets of 25 costumes? Probably quite a while. But not for Malaysian couple Avery Chin Yoke Leong and Sylvia Lim Chay Meei.
On September 2, the magical duo graced the stage at the Penang Street Food Festival to perform their record-breaking “quick change” act, securing their third Guinness World Records title for the “Most costume change illusions in one minute by an individual“.
Their incredible feat, witnessed by over 100,000 spectators, was officially recognised and documented by Guinness World Records officials. Notably, Chin and Lim surpassed their previous record of 22 changes involving 23 costumes.
4. World’s Youngest Pilot to Fly Half the World (Captain James Anthony Tan)
21-year-old Captain James Anthony Tan is a Malaysian with dyslexia that became the youngest pilot ever to fly solo around the world. He travelled through 21 countries, covering a whopping 40,000 kilometers in just 50 days in 2013. He did it all in a tiny, single-engine Cessna 210 Eagle aircraft.
This journey shot Tan into the spotlight worldwide. Starting from Langkawi, Malaysia, on March 26, Tan’s epic adventure ended in Teteboro, USA. Along the way, he made stops in Subang, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, and Canada before touching down in the US.
5. World’s Largest Capsule Vending Machine (Berjaya Times Square)
To mark its 10th anniversary, Berjaya Times Square, went on a journey and went on an mission to create the world’s largest capsule vending machine.
The giant vending machine was installed at the mall’s Ground Floor Central after 7 weeks of careful construction.
Reports confirm that the fully functional machine has indeed broken a new world record. Standing at a towering height of 9 meters and 83 centimeters, with a diameter of 4 meters and 70 centimeters, and boasting an internal volume of 22.52 cubic meters, this capsule vending machine is truly amazing to see.
6. The most eggs crushed with the wrist in 30 seconds (Balakrishnan Sivasamy)
Cracking an egg might seem easy, but try doing it with your wrist. Balakrishnan Sivasamy managed to crush an astonishing 25 eggs in just 30 seconds by placing them on the back of his wrist and bending his fingers backwards to break the shells.
This daring attempt earned Balakrishnan the record for the most eggs crushed with the wrist in 30 seconds. It looks as painful as it sounds, making it quite a challenge for an average person to do.
Balakrishnan set this impressive record at Naina Mohamad Restaurant in Perak on September 20, 2005.
7. The most weddings attended as best man (Ting Ming Siong)
Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge deal. But imagine being the best man not just once or twice, but at a whopping 1,445 weddings. And that’s exactly what Ting Ming Siong from Sibu, Sarawak, did.
From September 1975 to February 2009, Ting stood by the side of the groom at an incredible number of weddings, earning him the Guinness World Record title for the most weddings attended as a best man.
His achievement is nothing short of extraordinary and has set a standard that’s hard to beat. Ting’s dedication and commitment to his role definitely deserve all the applause!
8. The largest legal banknote ever produced (Bank Negara Malaysia)
Malaysia holds the record for producing the largest banknote in the world, measuring an impressive 22cm X 37cm. This feat was achieved by Bank Negara Malaysia, which issued two commemorative banknotes in December 2017 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement, also known as Malaysia’s 60th Merdeka Day.
The banknotes were unveiled by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V, at the Museum and Art Gallery, Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
With a denomination of RM600, each banknote was priced at RM1,700, and a total of 6,000 pieces were printed by Bank Negara Malaysia. The remarkable size and value of the banknotes earned them a place in the Guinness Book of Records, with Malaysia holding the record since December 2017.
9. The world’s oldest prime minister (Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad)
Imagine breaking world record for being the oldest. All thanks to our former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as he holds the “world’s oldest current prime minister” at the age of 92.
Mahathir first became prime minister back in 1981 and held onto the role until 2003, earning himself a spot as one of Asia’s political legends. However, his political journey didn’t stop there.
In a twist that shocked everyone, Mahathir jumped back into Malaysian politics in 2018, when he was 92 years old. Leading the Pakatan Harapan coalition, he clinched victory in the general elections, reclaiming the prime minister’s seat and proving that age is just a number.
Malaysians have always amazed us with their incredible talents and achievements worldwide. Let’s hope these records inspire others to reach for the stars and maybe even set some unexpected world records for Malaysia themselves!
Cheers to more Malaysian success in breaking the world record!
Also read: 10yo M’sian Girls Breaks World Record for Fastest Time to Arrange Chess Set While Blindfolded
