1983
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.32 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 2123 |
| Population (millions) | 14.3 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM0.35 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM0.15 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 40.3% |
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.
Death of Ahmad Boestamam
Ahmad Boestamam, a prominent Malaysian nationalist and socialist leader instrumental in the push for independence and multiracial democracy, died on 19 January 1983 at the age of 62, marking the end of an influential era in the nation's political history.
Death of Saloma
Saloma, born Salmah binti Ismail, was a legendary Malaysian singer and actress known as the 'Marilyn Monroe of Asia.
Malaysian Occupation of Swallow Reef (1983)
In 1983, Malaysia established a military presence on Swallow Reef in the Spratly Islands, marking a key step in asserting its territorial claims amid the South China Sea dispute involving multiple nations.
Establishment of Proton Holdings
The incorporation of Proton Holdings Berhad on 7 May 1983 as Malaysia's national car project, aimed at fostering industrialization, technology transfer, and economic self-sufficiency under the vision of Mahathir Mohamad.
Establishment of the International Islamic University Malaysia
The establishment of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 1983 represented a landmark in integrating Islamic principles with modern education, initiated under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to promote the Islamization of knowledge and position Malaysia as a hub for Islamic higher learning.
Founding of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad
The establishment of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad in July 1983 marked the creation of Malaysia's first full-fledged Islamic bank, introducing Shariah-compliant financial services and laying the groundwork for the growth of Islamic finance in the country.
Crash of Malaysian Airline System Flight 684
On December 18, 1983, Malaysian Airline System Flight 684, operating from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, crash-landed short of the runway at Subang International Airport due to poor visibility, unfamiliar aircraft configuration, and pilot error, resulting in the total destruction of the Airbus A300 but with all 247 passengers and crew surviving unharmed.
