NAYPYITAW, Dec 16 ― The national contingent has passed the halfway mark of 40 gold medals targeted for the Myanmar SEA Games when the contingent won another six gold medals today.

The Malaysian contingent's positive achievement began at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Stadium in the athletic events which began today where Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin grabbed the gold for the men's discus throw.

The 18-year-old University of Malaya business student also created history when he became the youngest Malaysian athlete to win the gold in the athletic events at the biennial games.

He sprang a surprise when his throw of 53.16 metres broke the national record of 49.90 metres which he created at the Brunei Athletics Open Championship recently. 

The Malaysian karate squad contributeda gold in the women's team kumite event raising the squad's overall tally to seven gold.

Silat athlete, Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari was also listed as a contributor to the gold tally besides body-builder Wong Hoeng Ngai; swimmers Christina, Loh Yen Ling and snooker athlete, Thor Chuan Leong.

Meanwhile, national women weightlifter Frenceay Titus could take pride in creating a new national record although failing to win a medal when she ended in fourth place in the 58kg category.

Her lift of 82kg in the snatch category erased the record of 81kg which she achieved at the Pahang Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2012.

On the 12th day of the championship, Malaysia collected a total of 24 gold, 16 silver and 40 bronze medals. Thailand is still leading the chart with a tally of 45 gold, 41 silver and 40 bronze, leaving Myanmar in second spot with 38 gold, 31 silver and 35 bronze. ― Bernama