The 9th ASEAN Para Games contingents described venues and athletes hotels were in a class of its own and disabled friendly (OKU friendly).

Indonesia's Chef-de-Mission Dr. Bayu Rahadian who arrived in Malaysia last Wednesday, said after visiting almost all venues, he was satisfied with the facilities that met the athletes' needs.

He said the Malaysian SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) had played its role in assisting the Indonesian contingent to adjust themselves in venues, hotels and helping them in transport management.

"Malaysia's preparation is extraordinary because until now we do not face any specific difficulties. MASOC also has responded quickly to the athletes' and officials' demands and complaints.

"Facilities in almost all venues from the National Velodrome in Nilai to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil are satisfactory," he told Bernama after the ASEAN Para Games Contingents Flag Raising Ceremony at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil, here on Saturday.

Meanwhile the national chess athlete Aqilah Shahira Ahmad described facilities in venues and hotels prepared by MASOC which achieved the OKU facilities standard had lifted her spirit to win the gold medal in the biennal Games.

"It is comparable to the sports events for the disabled overseas. There is nothing I have to worry about because everything is well organized and this will help me in hunting medals for the country," she said.

Meanwhile Vietnamese weightlifters Nguyen Van Phuc praised the volunteers' attitude.

"I'm very happy and satisfied with the preparations made by the Malaysian as the host of this Para Games. They had a very good plan that covers everything such as venues, hotel and everything. Volunteers are also very helpful and friendly to us," he added.

- BERNAMA