China Visa Application for Malaysian working in Melbourne Australia‏

I am from Malaysia and currently on Visa 457 for work in Melbourne Australia.

I would like to travel to China on the 28th December 2014 from Malaysia. However, I will only be returning to Malaysia on the 21st December 2014. I understand from a travel agent in Malaysia that I can only apply for China permit with my original passport.

I would like to check if it will be possible for me to apply for a travel permit to China from Australia even if I'm travelling to China from Malaysia.

I will not be able to get my permit done on time if I submit the application upon my return to Malaysia.

What should I do?