Many naturalised players have come and gone with only a few managing to play for Harimau Malaya.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) have been taking a cautious approach in screening foreign-born players and those with ancestral ties to Malaysia over the last few years.
The national body have come across footballers who are only keen to get a Malaysian passport.
FAM secretary-general Stuart Ramalingam disclosed that the national body have received many recommendations from agents, who claim their players want to play for Malaysia.
"So many players, especially those who claim they have an authentic connection to Malaysia, through their agents have contacted us. However, some could not show proof," said Stuart.
"We do not entertain such cases as we need to strictly follow Fifa regulations.
"We normally interview these players, after they have showed us documents, before taking the next step.
"We need to know what are their true intentions and whether they are ready to give their 100 per cent for Harimau Malaya.
"For the record, giving up a passport to take up Malaysian citizenship is never an easy decision for a foreign player.
"Things are always very subjective. Some are already playing here, and they want a Malaysian passport so that they qualify as a local player in the M-League.
"The national team have goals, and we only want those who will fight hard and give their all for the Harimau Malaya badge."
In just six years, FAM reversed course by going from ruling out naturalised players playing for the national team to encouraging their "homecoming."
Under Fifa rules, the players must have ancestral ties to the country which they wish to represent with either a parent or grandparent born there.
As for foreign-born players, Fifa states that a footballer must live for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant association and has never played for any other national team.
Among the naturalised players in the country are Mohamadou Sumareh, Liridon Krasniqi (both foreign-born), Natxo Insa, Darren Lok, Brendan Gan, Matthew Davies, La'Vere Corbin-Ong and Sam Somerville (ancestral ties).
Stuart disclosed that FAM are keeping an eye on England-based Kobe Jae Chong and United States-based Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal, who have ancestral ties to Malaysia.
It is believed that Kobe's grandmother is from Perak. The 19-year-old is currently playing for Redditch United, a Southern League Premier Division Central in England.
As for Kuzain, the midfielder is playing for Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City in the US.