2004
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 4939.25 |
| Population (millions) | 25.26 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.50 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.15 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 65.6% |
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.
Appointment of Najib Razak as Deputy Prime Minister (2004)
The appointment of Najib Razak as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia on 27 March 2004 by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi marked a key transition in leadership following the 2004 general election, reinforcing UMNO's dominance and positioning Najib as a central figure in national governance.
Introduction of the National Service Training Programme in Malaysia
The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) was launched in 2004 by the Malaysian government to promote unity, patriotism, and discipline among youth amid ethnic and social challenges, involving mandatory three-month training for selected 18-year-olds.
2004 Malaysian general election
The 2004 Malaysian general election, held on 21 March 2004, resulted in a landslide victory for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition led by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who secured 198 out of 219 parliamentary seats, affirming moderate leadership and rejecting Islamist extremism.
Launch of the National Integrity Plan 2004
The National Integrity Plan (PIN), launched on 23 April 2004 by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, represented a key initiative in Malaysia's fight against corruption, aiming to foster integrity across public, private, and societal sectors as part of a broader reform agenda.
UiTM Students Become First from Southeast Asia to Summit Mount Everest
In May 2004, two students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Muhammad Muqharabbin Mokhtarruddin and Ahmad Redzuan Rozal, became the first tertiary-level students from Southeast Asia to summit Mount Everest, marking a historic achievement in Malaysian mountaineering.
Introduction of the First Polymer Malaysian Ringgit Banknotes
In June 2004, Bank Negara Malaysia introduced the world's first circulating polymer RM5 banknote, enhancing currency security, durability, and efficiency as part of the nation's economic modernization efforts.
Opening of East Coast Expressway Phase 1
The opening of Phase 1 of the East Coast Expressway (ECE) on 1 August 2004 marked a major infrastructure milestone in Malaysia, connecting Karak in Pahang to Jabur near the Pahang-Terengganu border over 174 kilometers, enhancing connectivity and economic growth along the east coast.
Release of Anwar Ibrahim from Prison
On 2 September 2004, the Federal Court of Malaysia overturned Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction, leading to his release after over five years in prison.
First Asian Woman Reaches the South Pole: Sharifah Mazlina's 2004 Expedition
In 2004, Sharifah Mazlina binti Syed Abdul Kadir, a Malaysian lecturer and explorer, became the first Asian woman to reach the South Pole, highlighting Malaysia's emerging role in global polar exploration.
Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on Malaysia
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami had a significant but relatively contained impact on Malaysia, resulting in 67 deaths primarily in northern coastal areas, while highlighting vulnerabilities and prompting swift government response and regional disaster preparedness initiatives.
