2001
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 3943.8 |
| Population (millions) | 23.53 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.25 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.02 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 62.9% |
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.
Putrajaya Becomes Malaysia's Third Federal Territory
On February 1, 2001, Putrajaya was officially declared Malaysia's third federal territory, centralizing federal administrative functions in a purpose-built intelligent city south of Kuala Lumpur to alleviate urban congestion and promote modern governance.
Malaysia Airlines Pioneers Polar Route Flight
In 2001, Malaysia Airlines became one of the first Southeast Asian carriers to utilize polar routes for trans-Pacific flights to North America, optimizing flight times and fuel efficiency amid financial challenges.
Establishment of Malaysian Diplomatic Representation in Cuba
On 14 February 2001, Malaysia inaugurated its diplomatic mission in Havana, Cuba, marking a key advancement in bilateral relations established in 1975.
Opening of KL Sentral
The opening of Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) on 16 April 2001 marked a pivotal moment in Malaysia's urban and transportation infrastructure development, transforming the capital into a modern intermodal transport hub and symbolizing the nation's Vision 2020 aspirations for becoming a fully developed economy.
Launch of MyKad
The launch of MyKad on 5 September 2001 introduced Malaysia's advanced national identity card system, integrating biometric data and multipurpose functions to modernize government services and daily transactions as part of the nation's digital transformation under Vision 2020.
2001 Southeast Asian Games
The 2001 Southeast Asian Games, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 8 to 17, marked the nation's most successful hosting of the event, with Malaysia topping the medal tally for the first time in a display of regional athletic excellence.
September 11 Attacks and Their Impact on Malaysia
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda had significant repercussions for Malaysia, prompting enhanced counter-terrorism measures, arrests of suspected militants, and closer international cooperation while navigating the country's position as a moderate Islamic state.
2001 ASEAN Para Games
The inaugural 2001 ASEAN Para Games, hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 29 October 2001, marked the first regional multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities in Southeast Asia, featuring athletics and swimming with participation from 10 ASEAN nations.
Death of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Sultan of Selangor, died on 21 November 2001 at age 75 after heart surgery, becoming the first monarch to pass away in office since Malaysia's independence in 1957.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Becomes the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
On 13 December 2001, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail ascended as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, elected by the Conference of Rulers following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah of Selangor.
