The Malaysia athletic contingent had a good start to the 9th ASEAN Para Games as they tied with Thailand with six gold medals each in track and field events on Monday.

As for the overall gold medal tally in athletics, Indonesia led the standings with nine, while Vietnam and the Philippines had two and one respectively.

The host nation immediately won the first gold on offer when Rio Paralympics bronze medallist Siti Noor Radiah Ismail jumped farther than compatriot Nani Shahiera and Indonesia's Tiwa in women's long jump T20 (intellectual disability).

Shortly afterward, Faridul Masri clinched the second gold in the men's javelin F56 (wheelchair) before Eddy Bernard (pictured) and Jacklon Ganding celebrated a one-two finish in the men's 100m T37 (cerebral palsy).

There was a third Malaysian one-two with Siti Noor Iasah Ariffin and Maswinah Suanang leading the way in the women's 800m T20 (intellectual disability).

Afiq Ali Hanafiah claimed first place in the men's 100m T12 (visual impairment), while Hemala Devi Eni Kutty and Noor Kalsum Fadil added one gold and bronze each in women's discus throw F12 (visual impairment).

Other Malaysian athletes to secure a podium finish were silver medallist Eryanto Bahtiar (men's long jump T46/47), and bronze medallists Erwan Hasnoor (men's 100m T38) and Felicia Mikat (women's 100m T13).

(Picture: KL2017 MASOC)