The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have asked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for permission to shift their national team home base from Kuala Lumpur to Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru.
This would start with the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Lebanon on June 13.
There were ominous signs that such a request was on the cards after the Malaysian squad's equipment was transferred to the home of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to ensure better security. The move is also in line with the wish of FAM president (TMJ) to give other states a chance to host full international games.
"All of the home matches for Harimau Malaya will be held at Tan Sri Datuk Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin," said FAM secretary general Datuk Hamidin Amin via the national body's Facebook page.
"Other than good facilities, we have our own strategies to use Larkin Stadium, but I can't reveal why. We have already submitted the letters to the AFC because we wanted to use Shah Alam and Bukit Jalil National Stadium for the qualifying round."
Malaysia played most of their home games at Shah Alam while the national stadium in Bukit Jalil underwent refurbishment. Upgrading works are almost complete at the venue ahead of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in August.
It is unclear if TMJ will want all matches to be played at Larkin, or also allow other states the opportunity to open their doors to boost declining interest in the national team.
Meanwhile, the AFC will make a decision on whether Malaysia's first Group B qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang, or at a neutral venue, by May 8.
The March 28 fixture was rescheduled after strained diplomatic ties between both governments in the wake of the death of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13.
TMJ will also look to appoint a new head coach for the crucial opener.
Former JDT coach Mario Gomez was touted to replace Datuk Ong Kim Swee, but the move fell through due to contract issues. Ong will oversee the under-23 side at the SEA Games.