BURIRAM: Malaysia's hope of qualifying for the 2019 Asian Cup Finals looks bleak following a 4-1 defeat to North Korea at I-Mobile Stadium on Friday.
Nelo Vingada's side have so far collected only a point from four matches in their Group B qualifying campaign with two matches remaining.
North Korea were awarded penalty kick after Malaysia captain Fadhli Shas handled the ball in the box in the 12th minute.
Pak Kwang Ryong converted from the spot to hand North Korea the lead.
Kim Yu Song headed in a Jong Il Gwan free kick three minutes from half-time for the second goal.
Three minutes into the second half, Malaysia conceded a third when goalkeeper Hafizul Hakim Khairul Nizam Jothy failed to stop Kim Yong Il's close range effort.
Jong Il Gwan scored North Korea's fourth in the 58th minute.
Safawi Rasid netted a consolation for Malaysia with his first international goal in the 67th minute.
North Korea and Malaysia will meet again at the same venue on Monday.