2016
| Currency Rate to USD | 4.137 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 9476.53 |
| Population (millions) | 31.79 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM2.50 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.80 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 74.8% |
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.
Malaysian Citizens' Declaration
On 4 March 2016, a group of 57 prominent Malaysian figures from across the political spectrum signed the Malaysian Citizens' Declaration, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak amid the escalating 1MDB corruption scandal.
Malaysia's Signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in 2016
On February 4, 2016, Malaysia signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in Auckland, New Zealand, alongside 11 other Pacific Rim nations, marking a significant step toward liberalizing trade and integrating into the global economy.
Khairul Idham Pawi wins Moto3 Argentine Grand Prix 2016
On 3 April 2016, 17-year-old Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi secured his maiden Moto3 Grand Prix victory at the Argentine Republic Grand Prix, becoming the first Malaysian to win a world championship race and marking a historic milestone for Malaysian motorsport.
Muhyiddin Yassin and Mukhriz Mahathir sacked from UMNO 2016
In June 2016, amid the 1MDB scandal, UMNO expelled deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir for criticizing Prime Minister Najib Razak, deepening party divisions and contributing to the eventual fall of his government.
Minimum Wage Increase to RM1,000 in Peninsular Malaysia (2016)
In 2016, Malaysia reinforced its minimum wage policy at RM1,000 per month for Peninsular Malaysia, building on the 2014 increase to support worker welfare amid economic growth, with enhanced compliance measures under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan.
The Signing of the Malaysia-Singapore High-Speed Rail Memorandum of Understanding (2016)
On 19 July 2016, Malaysia and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Putrajaya to develop a high-speed rail (HSR) line connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, aiming to reduce travel time to 90 minutes and enhance economic integration between the two nations.
Malaysia's Historic Haul of Four Silver Medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Malaysia achieved its best Olympic performance ever at the 2016 Rio Games, winning four silver medals in badminton and diving, plus a bronze in cycling, marking a significant milestone in the nation's sports history.
Formation of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU)
The establishment of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) on 10 August 2016 by dissident leaders from UMNO, amid the 1MDB corruption scandal, positioned the party as a defender of Bumiputera interests and a challenger to Prime Minister Najib Razak's leadership, ultimately contributing to the opposition's victory in the 2018 general election.
Malaysia wins three gold medals at Rio Paralympics 2016
Malaysia secured its first-ever Paralympic gold medals at the 2016 Rio Games, with three golds in athletics over three consecutive days, marking a historic breakthrough in the nation's para-sports history.
Sultan Muhammad V Elected as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
On 14 October 2016, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan was unanimously elected by the Conference of Rulers as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, succeeding Tuanku Abdul Halim of Kedah.
