I got my 601 approved about 3 days ago. Got a 1 year visa with multiple entry up to 3 months stay. Missed the email until I saw it today. Took about 13 days to process in total. I was quite anxious when I didn't hear back from them 3 days after I submitted the documents. I thought I was banned as I didn't report my departure when I graduated as a student about 15 years ago.

I submitted about 16 documents instead of the required 60? I submitted bank account statements, pay slip, proof of employment, letter from employee, EPF statement and home loan statement.

What I did not submit was family book (tbh, I was quite lazy to dig out and fill out all the information ), itinerary and ETA Supplementary Information. I told them that I do not have an itinerary yet as I am planning to visit during the winter months. Though I had filled it out the ETA Supplementary Question, I was not able to upload it as it is an encrypted document and their portal rejects encrypted document.

The strongest supporting document I would say was the bank account statements as I also had term deposit in ANZ and NAB. As well as letter from employer confirming that I am employed, applied for leave to travel and I am covered by company's insurance during my travel.

Staying at friend’s place it should be ok, I feel. Just that they may hold you at immigration slightly a bit longer so that they can call your friend to verify.