1985
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.48 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 2065 |
| Population (millions) | 15.3 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM0.40 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM0.20 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 43.3% |
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.
Opening of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) in Penang
The opening of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) on 11 January 1985 in George Town, Penang, marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's urban modernization, with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad inaugurating the tallest building in Southeast Asia at the time, symbolizing economic revitalization and national progress.
Launch of the Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia Campaign
In April 1985, Malaysia launched the Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia campaign, a national initiative to promote the consumption of locally produced goods, fostering economic self-reliance and supporting domestic industries under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's modernization efforts.
Launch of the Proton Saga
The launch of the Proton Saga on 9 July 1985 marked a pivotal moment in Malaysia's industrial history, symbolizing the nation's ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in heavy industry and reduce reliance on imported vehicles.
Official Opening of the Penang Bridge
The official opening of the Penang Bridge on 2 August 1985 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad marked a major milestone in Malaysia's infrastructure, connecting Penang Island to the mainland and boosting economic growth through improved transportation and industrial integration.
Opening of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
The opening of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur on 2 September 1985 represented a pivotal moment in Malaysia's modernization drive, establishing the nation's first purpose-built convention and exhibition complex to support international trade, diplomacy, and large-scale events.
1985 Lahad Datu Ambush
On 23 September 1985, armed pirates from the southern Philippines ambushed the town of Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia, killing 21 people and injuring 11 others in a raid that exposed vulnerabilities in regional border security amid ongoing piracy and insurgency issues.
Memali Incident
The Memali Incident was a violent confrontation on 19 November 1985 between Malaysian security forces and villagers in Kampung Memali, Kedah, resulting in 18 deaths and highlighting tensions between the government and Islamist opposition.
Installation of Sultan Azlan Shah as the 34th Sultan of Perak
The installation of Sultan Azlan Shah as the 34th Sultan of Perak on 9 December 1985 was a significant ceremonial event that formalized his ascension to the throne, blending ancient traditions with his modern legal background in one of Malaysia's oldest monarchies.
