STARTING from where they finished the day before at the Mersing Ferry Terminal and after a neutralised zone of 7.1l, the peloton is expected to thread cautiously through the early part of this stage, in realisation of the different perspective compared to the three previous stages, brought about by its undulating profile.

Breakaway attempts are expected early on, heading into the first intermediate sprint in Jemaluang, just 14.6km into the stage. Either this or several other expected attempted escapes could follow through all the way into the next intermediate sprint in Kluang at the 98.1km point and Yong Peng (136.9km).

Although only one categorised climb is on offer in Kampung Sri Jasa (152.5km), the peloton can be expected to be broken up into multiple groups due to the undulating profile of the stage.

It could possibly end with a successful breakaway taking the victory in Parit Sulong which hosts a finish for the first time in the history of the race.