Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Azeem Fahmi clocked 39.40 seconds to finish third in Heat 1 of round one, behind China’s Chen Guanfeng, Xie Zhenye, Yan Haibin and Chen Jiapeng (38.62 seconds) and South Korea’s Lee Jeontae, Kim Kukyoung, Lee Jaeseong and Park Wonjin (38.75 seconds).

The Malaysians were placed fourth overall in the first round today to enter the final.

Their timing was slightly slower than the national record of 39.09 seconds set by Azeem, Arsyad, Haiqal Hanafi and Zulfiqar Ismail at the Hanoi SEA Games in May 2022.

“Our run was not perfect yet because we were running together for the first time this year. We are not satisfied with our performance today and I believe we will do better tomorrow.

“The plan is to stay focused and get enough rest to be in good condition so that we can produce a good timing for our country,” said Azeem, who won the 100m bronze two days ago.

The final is scheduled for 9.25pm tomorrow.