1999
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 3238 |
| Population (millions) | 22.4 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.50 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.10 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 61.3% |
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
Reformasi Era
For many Malaysians, Reformasi meant both frustration and hope. In 1998, when Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, it wasn’t just political drama—it felt personal: people seeing corruption, cronyism, and authoritarian rule in everyday life felt exposed.
Resignation of Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor as Inspector-General of Police
Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor resigned as Inspector-General of Police on 15 January 1999, accepting full responsibility for assaulting former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in custody, amid allegations of political persecution and the Reformasi movement.
Identification of the Nipah Virus as the Cause of the 1998–1999 Outbreak in Malaysia
In early March 1999, a team of Malaysian virologists isolated and identified the Nipah virus as the cause of a mysterious encephalitis outbreak that had begun in late 1998, affecting pig farmers and leading to significant public health and economic impacts.
Sentencing of Anwar Ibrahim for Corruption, 1999
On 14 April 1999, Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister, was convicted on five counts of corruption and sentenced to six years in prison.
Official Opening of Sepang International Circuit
The Sepang International Circuit was officially opened on 7 March 1999 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, symbolizing Malaysia's push towards modernization and its entry into international motorsport as part of the Vision 2020 initiative.
Election of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
The election of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah as Malaysia's 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 26 April 1999 marked a key moment in the country's rotational monarchy system, with his formal installation occurring on 11 September 1999.
Official Opening of the Petronas Twin Towers
The official opening of the Petronas Twin Towers on 31 August 1999 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's modernization efforts, symbolizing the nation's economic ambitions through the completion of the world's tallest buildings at the time.
Official Opening of the Multimedia Super Corridor Centre in Cyberjaya
The official opening of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) centre in Cyberjaya on 8 July 1999, presided over by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, represented a major milestone in Malaysia's Vision 2020 plan to develop a knowledge-based economy and position the country as a global hub for multimedia and information technology.
Inaugural Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 1999
The 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix was the inaugural Formula One race held at the newly built Sepang International Circuit, marking Malaysia's entry into global motorsport and symbolizing its economic ambitions under Vision 2020.
1999 Malaysian General Election
The 1999 Malaysian general election, held on 29 November 1999, was a significant challenge to the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition amid the Reformasi movement, resulting in opposition gains in Malay heartlands while BN retained federal power with a reduced majority.
Opening of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas
The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor, Malaysia, officially opened on 10 October 1999, establishing a major container terminal aimed at capturing transshipment traffic and challenging Singapore's dominance in Southeast Asian maritime trade.
