World champions Australia struggled to open their account and after a barren first two quarters finally managed to break the stalemate in the 43rd minute when Jamie Dwyer scored from a penalty stroke.
The veteran Dwyer, who yesterday became Australia's most-capped hockey player surpassing Jay Stacy, was again at the thick of things and scored a fine field goal 10 minutes later.
In the very next move Malaysia made it 3-2 when Tengku Ahmed deflected in a penalty corner to the joy of the home crowd.
But that was all the home team could manage as Australian defence stood tall to weather out the storm.
Australia will next play Korea on Wednesday, while Malaysia will be up against India.
Meanwhile in the first match of the day, Canada stunned Korea by taking the lead in the 11th minute through a field strike by Richard Hildreth.
Jonghyun Jang stretched Korea's lead in the 54th minute by converting a penalty corner.
The win gave Korea their first win in the tournament after they were held to a 1-1 draw by India yesterday.
