2011

On 20 January 2011, elite Malaysian naval commandos from the Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) unit executed a daring rescue operation to retake the hijacked chemical tanker MT Bunga Laurel from Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, saving all 23 crew members without casualties and capturing the attackers.

Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei defeated arch-rival Lin Dan in the final to claim the 2011 All England Open Badminton Championships, securing his second consecutive title in the world's oldest and most prestigious badminton tournament.

The 2011 Sarawak state election was held on 16 April 2011, where the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition secured 55 seats in the 71-seat assembly, retaining its two-thirds majority despite opposition gains amid public discontent over governance issues.

In June 2011, during the Paris Air Show, AirAsia placed a historic order for 200 Airbus A320neo aircraft, valued at US$18 billion, marking one of the largest single commercial aviation deals and solidifying the airline's expansion in Asia.

The relocation of the KTM Tanjong Pagar railway station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in 2011 resolved longstanding territorial and operational disputes between Malaysia and Singapore, facilitating integrated border controls, urban redevelopment, and enhanced cross-border rail connectivity.

The Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9, 2011, in Kuala Lumpur was a major demonstration organized by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, calling for electoral reforms in Malaysia amid allegations of systemic irregularities.

The official opening of the Bakun Dam on 6 August 2011 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's infrastructure development, completing one of Southeast Asia's largest hydroelectric projects after decades of planning, delays, and controversies.

On 15 September 2011, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the repeal of the Internal Security Act 1960, a controversial preventive detention law, as part of broader political reforms aimed at enhancing civil liberties and democracy.

Malaysia secured their sixth gold medal in SEA Games football by winning the men's U-23 tournament at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games, defeating host Indonesia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the final on 21 November 2011.

In October 2011, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah was elected by the Conference of Rulers as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, marking a historic second non-consecutive term for the 83-year-old monarch and reinforcing Malaysia's unique elective monarchy system.