The three Malaysians who won gold at the Rio Paralympics and breaking a world record shows we can achieve success at the international arena, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"Their victories are encouraging and shows our athletes can be world champions and not merely village heroes," Lim said in a statement.

He congratulated the three athletes - Abdul Latif Romly, Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and Ziyad Zolkefli for bringing glory to Malaysia.

"At last, the federal government has seen a little success in the sports arena," said the DAP secretary-general.

"Perhaps the Youth and Sports Ministry can study the secret of its success so that it can be repeated at the coming Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, " he added.

He also recorded his appreciation for Penangite Professor Dr Muzlifah Haniffa from Newcastle University in England.

Muzifah had made Malaysia and Penang proud by receiving the RM1. 09 million Lister Institute Research Prize Fellowship in May, for her research in a more indepth immunology system.

The award is only given to the most established scientists.

"The Penang government is very proud with Professor Dr Muzlifah's success and will celebrate her achievements when she returns to the state.

"Syabas and congratulations to Muzlifah for giving us the confidence that Malaysia and Penang boleh!" said Lim.