The government has approved a plan to set up a 'Malaysia Boleh Challenge' unit to encourage more Malaysians to break international records, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Ong Tee Keat revealed today.

He said the main role of the unit will be to identify individuals with the capability of breaking world records and to provide consultation services to them.

The unit also will draft guidelines and criteria to assist potential record-breakers in their preparations.

"This unit will act as a co-ordinating agency to help these individuals in their efforts," he told the Dewan Rakyat this morning.

In addition, Ong said his ministry will reward record-breakers in a suitable manner, but that the offer of rewards would be subject to approval.

"The offer of rewards is aimed at motivating (more Malaysians to practise) the Malaysia Boleh spirit and accept the Malaysia Boleh challenge," he said.

National hero

Ong revealed the plan during the question-session when replying to Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut), who asked about the government's efforts to encourage more Malaysians to create history - like swimmer Abdul Malik Mydin who crossed the English Channel recently.

The deputy minister said his ministry had provided logistical support to the swimmer and organised a dinner on his return, which Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had attended.

Abdul Malik, 28, the first Malaysian to swim across the channel from England to France, has been heralded as a national hero and conferred the title 'Datuk' by the Penang government for his achievement.

Malaysia, in recent years has encouraged its people to break world records by creating the Malaysia Boleh slogan and the 'Malaysia Book of Records', which is similar to the international Guinness Book of Records.