1991
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.74 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 2730 |
| Population (millions) | 18.3 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | 75 cents |
| Teh Tarik Price | 55 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 51.5% |
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.
1991 Malacca and Selangor Water Crises
In February 1991, water shortages plagued Malacca and Selangor amid rapid urbanization and below-average rainfall, straining reservoirs and infrastructure, and highlighting vulnerabilities in Malaysia's water management systems.
1991 Malaysian Haze
The 1991 Malaysian haze was an early significant episode of transboundary air pollution in Southeast Asia, caused by uncontrolled forest and peat fires in Indonesia that blanketed Malaysia with smoke, disrupting daily life and highlighting regional environmental vulnerabilities during the dry season.
Bright Sparklers Fireworks Disaster
The Bright Sparklers fireworks disaster, occurring on 7 May 1991 in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, was a catastrophic industrial accident at a fireworks factory that killed 29 people and injured 83 others, exposing critical safety lapses in the country's rapid industrialization.
Death of Mokhtar Dahari
Mokhtar Dahari, Malaysia's legendary footballer known as 'Supermokh', passed away on 11 July 1991 at the age of 37 due to motor neurone disease, marking a profound loss for Malaysian sports and leaving an enduring legacy of national pride and sporting excellence.
Launch of the National Development Policy 1991
The National Development Policy (NDP), launched on 28 July 1991 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, succeeded the New Economic Policy and aimed to build on its foundations by promoting balanced growth, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic opportunities as part of Vision 2020.
Launch of Wawasan 2020
On 28 February 1991, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched Wawasan 2020, a comprehensive vision to elevate Malaysia to developed nation status by 2020 through sustained economic growth, social unity, and cultural transformation.
Death of Tan Sri Mohamed Noah Omar
Tan Sri Mohamed Noah Omar, a founding father of modern Malaysia and inaugural chairman of UMNO, passed away on 6 September 1991 at the age of 94, marking the end of an era in the nation's political and economic development.
1991 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
The 1991 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix was the inaugural hosting of a FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing round in Malaysia, held at Shah Alam Circuit from 27 to 29 September.
Completion of Piling Works for Kuala Lumpur Tower
In 1991, initial construction efforts including site preparation for the Kuala Lumpur Tower reached key milestones, setting the stage for one of Malaysia's most iconic structures despite innovative foundation techniques that omitted traditional piling.
Death of Ishak Haji Muhammad
Ishak Haji Muhammad, known as Pak Sako, a prominent Malaysian writer, journalist, and nationalist, passed away on 7 November 1991 at age 81, marking the end of an influential era in Malay literature and politics.
