Malaysia's top players don't seem to be intimidated about making the daunting journey to Pyongyang to face North Korea in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on June 8.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) gave the green light this week for make the travel to the Republic after Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed there were no travel restrictions in place.
"We know how the situation is over there, but as the AFC have given us the go ahead, it shouldn't be a problem to go there," Kedah captain Khairul Helmi told ESPN FC.
"The most important thing is that we give our full focus for that big game. Our mindset during training is very important. It is vital that we remind each other that we are only there to win a football game and not think about anything else."
Malaysia were initially due to play North Korea in the Group B qualifier on March 28 before the match was postponed due to deteriorating diplomatic relations after the death of the half-brother of the North Korean President at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13.
Kedah midfielder Baddrol Bakhtiar was also optimistic that there will be no issues about making the six-hour journey to the North Korean capital. The playmaker, however, echoed Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin's request for the national team to be guaranteed security when they arrive there.
"We never had any issues playing away from home against any other countries before. But North Korea could be a little different because of the situation which has transpired, which is why we want guaranteed safety when we arrive there," Baddrol told ESPN FC.
"I don't think the players will be affected, but we need everything to be controlled accordingly, by their government in order for us to have a peaceful and focused preparation for the match."
With Malaysia's departure for Pyongyang around three weeks away, Malaysia are still without a national head coach for opening qualifier. However, new FAM president the Crown Prince of Johor (TMJ) has hinted a Portuguese boss could be hired before June 8.
The national coach elect is also expected to be assisted by Tan Cheng Hoe, who remains in limbo after quitting Kedah at the end of last month.