I think the best way forward is for you to visit the websites of Universities in the USA and Malaysia that have engineering departments. Ask them if they offer funding for international students, perhaps what your chance are.

Apart from applying for funding which is a brillinat idea. There are several other optios you could consider, You could apply for a loan, theres a company called sallymae which provides loans for postgraduate students. You could you try and cut your costs by studying an Masters part time while working or perhaps gong to a local university and living with family, there are also some universities which offer masters with lower tuition fees.

I agree with what the others have said, I went straight on to my Masters form my degree, I know for sure that I would have felt depressed and frustrated had I had to wait another year (let alone 2 years!!), I like to feel like in doing something and moving closer to my goals. I just dont think its necessary for you to take another year out.

You could always try the Open University, I belive their Masters courses start as late as December!