Veteran Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today challenged the younger generation of Malaysians to pursue world records to become a successful nation.

He was speaking at a welcoming ceremony for Abdul Malik Mydin who swam 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi island.

Abdul Malik, 28, covered the journey across the Straits of Malacca in 14 hours and three minutes.

Mahathir said the businessman had been training for more than three years and his determination had helped him to complete the journey some four hours earlier than expected.

Successful race

"I hope the feat achieved by Malik will be an example to the younger generation and I dare the younger generation to improve the country's achievements," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"Only a race that is brave enough to face and overcome challenges will become succeesful."

The swim is part of Abdul Malik's preparation for a mission to swim across the cold English Channel later this year, Bernama said.

Malaysia, which already boasts the world's tallest office buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers, has a penchant for achieving records in everything.

The Sunday Star said two Malaysians would embark o­n a year-long trip to six continents o­n their superbikes in July to promote peace