Malaysia started the better with Nurfazira Sani and Intan Sarah having opportunities from distance with the latter's effort only just wide of Sharlot Phillips' goal.

Palestine were handed the chance to break the deadlock in the 25th minute after they were awarded a penalty following Nurfazira's foul on Nadine Mohamad.

Dima Alrumhi assumed the spot-kick responsibility but was thwarted by an incredible one-handed save from Malaysia custodian Nurul Azurin with Alrumhi sending the rebound high over the bar.

Malaysia were the first to fashion a shooting chance in the second half, Ainsyah Murad drove into the box past Naomi Phillips only to blast her attempt high over the bar.

A defensive mix-up between Eusvewana and Amirah nearly cost Malaysia as Nour Youssef ran through unchallenged but Nurul Azurin came out trumps again with a vital block.

Nurul Azurin's heroics bore reward as Malaysia found the winning goal in the 86th minute when Nur Adrienna surged forward on the right before cutting back for Farahiyah to sweep home.

Next up for Malaysia is a meeting with Tajikistan while a daunting prospect awaits Palestine when they take on DPR Korea, both matches to be played on Wednesday.