With both nations preparing for vital Olympics 2020 qualifiers starting on Friday, the clash was a chance to fine-tune both sets of squads.

The only Australian willing to talk after the game was Maloney, who said the Olyroos under Graham Arnold are an exciting mix, particularly in the front third, though they are possibly still adapting to South-East Asia’s humidity.

“Definitely [Reno] Piscopo caused us a few problems," said Maloney. "He was very busy and he’s a strong and speedy player who makes a lot of positive runs. I did like him. It was the first time I’ve seen him live.

“[Joey] Champness was decent too and Riley McGree stamped his authority in the centre of midfield and he looks a good leader.

“I can see their quality,” he said of the team overall.

Image courtesy of FAM

“They were quite good, and to be fair, they had a lot of good chances particularly in the first half and they really could’ve put us [Malaysia] away.

“There are plenty of positives. They did play good football and created a lot of chances but perhaps be a little more clinical in front of goal."

The Australians dominated the first half and took a deserved lead just after the break through the excellent Brandon Wilson from Perth Glory. 

But the Malaysians stormed back into the contest in the final 20 minutes and caused problems down Australia’s right side, equalising in the 93rd minute.

“We did seem to get a bit of change from working down the left side, whether or not that’s an issue for the Aussies I’m not sure. I wouldn’t see it as a weakness for the Aussies," noted the former Socceroos midfielder who played for the national team when Arnold was an assistant coach. 

“But obviously they’ve had a fairly tough week with a few double sessions thrown in and training every day.

“And we were a little fortunate with that injury time equaliser.”

Image courtesy of FAM

The Olyroos fly to Cambodia tomorrow (Tuesday) to kick off their Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification campaign, which starts on Friday night against the hosts in front of an expected sellout 50,000 crowd. 

The Australians leave Kuala Lumpur winless after a week-long training camp, though the results were secondary to preparation for Cambodia. (Australia also lost 2-0 loss last Thursday night to Malaysian Super League side PJ City FC). 

It’s vital the Olyroos start on a positive note in Phnom Penh, given powerhouse Korea Republic are in their group.

Maloney has been based in Malaysia for five years and knows the game in the region very well. 

What’s more, as Maloney concedes, it's a tight squeeze if you don't finish top.

Only the four best of the 11 second-placed nations across the region join the group winners for the final stage of qualification in January 2020.

An interested onlooker on Sunday night at the Shah Alam Stadium was Guus Hiddink. The former Socceroos coach is in charge of China U23s and they face Malaysia in their Olympics qualifiers in KL over the coming fortnight.

“The focus for both nations is next Friday when we start the tournament rather than Sunday night’s result,” added Maloney.

“There was a lot of upside for the Olyroos, though they are probably still adapting to the conditions, and I support Arnie’s view that you need to prepare teams well and in good time for these tournaments, rather than go in straight in cold. It takes time to gel and acclimatise."

He added: “I like the quality of the Aussies, it’s just a matter of them gelling and getting into the Arnie game plan."