Polyplectron malacense is an extreme lowland specialist, resident in tall primary and secondary (including lightly logged) lowland dipterocarp forest, usually from just 15 to 80 m, and never above c.300 m (Wells 1999), on level or gently sloping ground.

Polyplectron malacense is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and possibly southern peninsular Thailand. Reports of its occurrence in Sumatra have been refuted, and evidence for its occurrence in Myanmar is flawed (McGowan and Kirwan 2020). It is possibly already extinct in Thailand, and its range in Malaysia has contracted dramatically (Savini et al. 2021).

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Important populations occur in at least two protected areas, Taman Negara and Krau Wildlife Reserve, and further populations have been reported at Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve (Selangor) and a number of Forest Reserves that do not qualify as protected areas under wildlife legislation, including Pasoh (Negeri Sembilan).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Determine its precise habitat requirements and response to habitat alterations, especially its ability to persist in smaller forest fragments. Determine the extent to which hunting impacts this species. Conduct surveys to clarify current distribution patterns and subpopulation status for all known populations, particularly in and around Taman Negara and Krau. Support proposals for heightened status and stricter management guidelines and protection measures at Krau Wildlife Reserve. Develop support mechanisms for key IBAs in Peninsular Malaysia and support and extend captive-breeding efforts. Continue to closely monitor forest loss using remote sensing data.