1997
| Currency Rate to USD | 3 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 4300 |
| Population (millions) | 21.4 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.20 |
| Teh Tarik Price | 90 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 58.7% |
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
Petronas Twin Towers Become the World's Tallest Buildings
In 1997, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, achieved practical completion with initial occupancy, solidifying their status as the world's tallest buildings at 451.
Launch of the Proton Putra
The Proton Putra, Malaysia's first domestically produced sports coupé, was launched in 1996 by Proton Holdings, symbolizing the nation's progress in the automotive sector and leveraging Mitsubishi technology for a youth-oriented vehicle.
Official Launching of Cyberjaya
The official launch of Cyberjaya on 17 May 1997, presided over by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, marked the formal inception of Malaysia's planned high-tech city within the Multimedia Super Corridor, aimed at transforming the nation into a knowledge-based economy.
First Malaysians Reach the Summit of Mount Everest
On May 23, 1997, Datuk M. Magendran and N. Mohanadas became the first Malaysians to reach the summit of Mount Everest, symbolizing national pride and the 'Malaysia Boleh!' spirit during the country's 40th independence anniversary.
Hosting of the FIFA World Youth Championship 1997
Malaysia hosted the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship from 16 June to 5 July 1997, marking the first time a Southeast Asian country organized a major FIFA tournament.
Onset of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis in Malaysia
The 1997 Asian financial crisis reached Malaysia in mid-July, following Thailand's currency collapse, leading to speculative attacks on the ringgit, a stock market plunge, and economic instability that exposed vulnerabilities in the country's rapid growth model.
State of emergency declared in Sarawak due to the 1997 Southeast Asian Haze
The 1997 Southeast Asian haze, caused by massive forest and peat fires in Indonesia, led to a state of emergency declaration in Sarawak, Malaysia, on 1 September 1997.
Naming of the Malaysian Flag as Jalur Gemilang
On 31 August 1997, during the 40th anniversary of Malaysia's independence, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad officially named the national flag 'Jalur Gemilang,' meaning 'Stripes of Glory,' to symbolize national unity, progress, and resilience amid economic challenges.
Launch of the national IT campaign "IT As A Culture"
The launch of Malaysia's national IT campaign 'IT As A Culture' on 11 October 1997 marked a key initiative under Vision 2020 to integrate information technology into everyday life, promoting digital literacy and fostering a knowledge-based economy amid economic transformation.
Seventh G-15 Summit in Kuala Lumpur, 1997
The Seventh G-15 Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur on 28 October 1997, united leaders from developing nations to promote South-South cooperation in trade, investment, and technology amid the escalating Asian Financial Crisis.
