1982
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.33 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 1925 |
| Population (millions) | 13.8 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM0.35 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM0.15 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 38.8% |
New Economic Policy Era
After racial riots in 1969, the government launched the NEP to reduce poverty and economic disparity, especially among Malays and indigenous folks.
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
Cold War
After WWII, the world splits into blocs—capitalist West led by U.S., communist East led by USSR. People everywhere feel the pressure: fear of nuclear annihilation, propaganda, ideological influence in media and education, proxy wars in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Introduction of the Metric System in Malaysia
On 1 January 1982, Malaysia officially adopted the metric system of weights and measures, replacing the British imperial system to align with international standards, facilitate trade, and support economic modernization under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's reforms.
Construction Begins on the Penang Bridge
In February 1982, construction began on the Penang Bridge, a landmark infrastructure project designed to connect Penang Island to the mainland, alleviating ferry dependency and supporting the state's industrialization efforts amid economic challenges.
Opening of the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway
The opening of the 63.4 km Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway on 16 June 1982 marked the inaugural segment of Malaysia's North-South Expressway, introducing modern tolled highways and enhancing economic connectivity between the capital and southern regions.
1982 Malaysian general election
The 1982 Malaysian general election, held from 22 to 26 April 1982, resulted in a landslide victory for the Barisan Nasional coalition, securing 132 of 154 parliamentary seats and affirming Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's leadership early in his term.
Murder of Datuk Mohd Taha Talib
The assassination of Datuk Mohd Taha Talib, a prominent UMNO politician and Speaker of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly, during Malaysia's 1982 general elections highlighted intra-party rivalries and political violence within the ruling coalition.
Start of the Bukit Merah Radioactive Pollution Incident
In 1982, the Bukit Merah factory began operations extracting rare-earth elements from radioactive monazite sand, leading to immediate pollution complaints from residents in Papan, Malaysia, and sparking a long-term environmental and health crisis that highlighted tensions between industrialization and public safety.
Official Opening of the East-West Highway
The official opening of the East-West Highway on 1 July 1982 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's infrastructure development, connecting the northwestern and east coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia, reducing travel distances, and supporting national security efforts against the Communist insurgency.
Silver Jubilee of Malaysian Independence
The Silver Jubilee of Malaysian independence in 1982 commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Federation of Malaya's independence from British rule on 31 August 1957.
Malaysia at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
Malaysia participated in the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, where its athletes competed in various sports and secured one gold medal in badminton men's doubles, highlighting the nation's strength in the sport.
