I thought some pic's might be of interest. As you can see the Malays come in two sizes. In fact I'm fairly sure that the figure with turban spear and shield is an Indian. His bow armed fellow maybe too. The latter though might work as in the service of a Malay Hindu Raja.
For comparison I've lined up two single Minifigs a QRF Maharatta and a stand of ERM 1840s British. There are also two Stands of Ward's fellows (Mini Figs) from my Tai Ping collection.
I'm still deliberating but, it's looking like Minifigs.