Alhamdulillah, after almost 3 weeks, my EPU application to conduct research in Malaysia has been approved earlier this week. All communications, forms and attachment were sent either through email or online directly into their system. I need to collect the research pass in person, though. Now I can focus on the ethics application, which would be easier with the EPU approval on side. Slightly slower than planned, but surely Insya Allah I will complete this phase.