OCM President Prince Imran is hopeful the country's athletes can earn berths in the coming months ©Getty Images

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has targeted qualifying between 20 and 25 athletes for Rio 2016, despite only five athletes having secured their places to date.

Currently archer Khairul Anuar Mohamad and divers Pandelela Rinong, Ooi Tze Liang, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Ng Yan Yee are the Malaysian athletes to have confirmed spot for this summer's Games.

Malaysia were represented by 32 athletes at Beijing 2008 and 28 at London 2012, but OCM secretary general Low Beng Choo claims the focus should be on the quality of the competitors the country is sending to the Games.

“We had been sending athletes to the Olympiad just to make up the numbers,” she told Bernama, the Malaysian National News Agency.

“It’s about time we focus on winning medals, the reason why it is difficult to qualify is because they are aiming for medals after Beijing.”

OCM are hopeful four more divers will earn places to give them a full contingent of eight, securing places for two cyclists, a golfer and sailor has been targeted.

Badminton, though, looks the country’s best chance of boosting their delegation with Beijing and London 2012 men's singles silver medallist Lee Chong Wei looking likely to earn a berth after returning from an eight month doping ban following a positive test for steroid medication, dexamethasone.

It is hoped a maximum team of eight badminton players will be qualified.

OCM President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Prince Imran also believes shooters could claim quota spots at the Asia Olympic Shooting Qualifying in New Delhi, which is due to be held from January 25 to February 3.

Lee Chong Wei is considered the country's best hope of earning the elusive Olympic gold
Lee Chong Wei is considered the country's best hope of earning the elusive Olympic gold ©Getty Images

"I would say, I am slightly disappointed with the number of sports that have qualified for Rio," said Prince Imran, who was ousted as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation by Scotland's Louise Martin last September.

“But I strongly believe our athletes can make use of the chances to earn their tickets to the Olympics.

"I expect more badminton players to qualify, our shooters also need to grab the opportunity at the Asia Olympic Shooting Qualifying in New Delhi.”

Malaysia are still looking to secure their first Olympic gold medal, with Lee Chong Wei having gone closest to achieving the elusive feat with his two silvers.

The country ended London 2012 with two medals, with Rinong earning bronze in the women's 10 metre platform diving event.

Their medals took Malaysia’s overall tally at Olympic Games to six, with three silver and three bronze.