1987
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.52 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 2007 |
| Population (millions) | 16.3 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM0.45 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM0.25 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 46.3% |
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.
Incorporation of Telekom Malaysia Berhad
The incorporation of Telekom Malaysia Berhad on January 1, 1987, marked the corporatization of Malaysia's telecommunications department, transitioning from a government entity to a more autonomous company to enhance efficiency and support national development.
1987 Ming Court Affair
The 1987 Ming Court Affair was a major political crisis in Sarawak, Malaysia, involving a power struggle between Abdul Rahman Ya'kub and his nephew Abdul Taib Mahmud, culminating in resignations, a coup attempt at the Ming Court Hotel, and a snap state election that solidified Taib's leadership.
Enactment of the Copyright Act 1987
The Copyright Act 1987 was assented to on April 30, 1987, and came into force on December 1, 1987, marking Malaysia's shift from colonial copyright laws to a modern intellectual property framework that protected creators and aligned with international standards.
Completion of Menara Maybank
The completion of Menara Maybank in 1987 marked a significant architectural and economic milestone for Malaysia, as the 244-meter skyscraper became the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia, symbolizing the nation's rapid urbanization and the growth of its leading bank.
Opening of the Petronas Kerteh Refinery
The opening of the Petronas Kerteh Refinery in July 1987 represented a major advancement in Malaysia's energy sector, establishing the country's first state-owned oil refinery and promoting self-sufficiency in refining while supporting economic development in the east coast region.
Implementation of the Closed-Toll System on Malaysian Expressways in 1987
In 1987, Malaysia introduced the closed-toll system on key sections of the North-South Expressway, a distance-based tolling mechanism that optimized revenue generation and supported the nation's infrastructure modernization under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Rebranding of Malaysian Airline System in 1987
On 15 October 1987, Malaysian Airline System (MAS), Malaysia's national flag carrier, underwent a significant corporate rebranding.
Operation Lalang 1987
Operation Lalang, launched by the Malaysian government in 1987, was a major security crackdown that detained over 100 individuals without trial under the Internal Security Act to prevent escalating racial tensions amid political infighting and ethnic sensitivities, resulting in the suspension of several publications and marking a shift toward authoritarian governance.
Launch of the Proton Saga Aeroback
The launch of the Proton Saga Aeroback in October 1987 introduced Malaysia's first hatchback variant of the national car, enhancing Proton's lineup amid rapid industrial growth and symbolizing the country's automotive ambitions.
