If your final destination is KUL then consider routing via SIN. From SIN you can take a quick flight up to KUL with one of the low cost carriers e.g Air Asia, Scoot etc. It's only a 50 minute hop, so not difficult to endure and the cost is not going to break the bank. It might give you more options as you'd be able to fly NRT-SIN with ANA (Star Alliance). Of course, if you have the time and inclination, you could always travel by train (or coach) from SIN to KUL and enjoy some of the countryside views while you do so. I don't know where you're starting your journey in the USA but have a look at the ANA website to see their flights and you might be able to avoid the lottery of UA (in fact any US carrier) and use your Star Alliance points.