2020
| Currency Rate to USD | 4.203 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 9957.53 |
| Population (millions) | 33.89 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM3.00 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM2.00 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 77.2% |
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.
Covid Era
When COVID-19 hit Malaysia, daily life changed fast. Folks faced lockdowns, travel bans, job losses — everything from work to worship to social visits was disrupted.
First Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Malaysia
On 25 January 2020, Malaysia confirmed its first cases of COVID-19, involving three Chinese nationals who had traveled from Wuhan, marking the beginning of the pandemic's impact on the country.
The Sheraton Move and the 2020 Malaysian Constitutional Crisis
The Sheraton Move, named after the hotel where key defections occurred, initiated a constitutional crisis in Malaysia that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government after 22 months in power, resulting in political instability lasting until 2022 and highlighting issues of party defections and the role of the monarchy.
Resignation of Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister 2020
The resignation of Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24 February 2020, amid defections known as the 'Sheraton Move,' ended the Pakatan Harapan coalition's rule and triggered a political crisis, leading to Muhyiddin Yassin's appointment.
Appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister
The appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin as Malaysia's eighth prime minister on 1 March 2020 followed a political crisis known as the 'Sheraton Move,' which led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan coalition government amid internal defections and power struggles.
Imposition of the Movement Control Order 2020
The Imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18 March 2020 was Malaysia's first nationwide lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at containing the spread of the virus through movement restrictions, business closures, and suspension of public gatherings.
First COVID-19 Deaths in Malaysia
The first recorded deaths from COVID-19 in Malaysia occurred on 17 March 2020, involving a 60-year-old priest in Sarawak and a 34-year-old man from Johor linked to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering.
Cancellation of Visit Malaysia Year 2020
The Visit Malaysia Year 2020 campaign, launched to attract 30 million tourists and boost the economy, was cancelled on 18 March 2020 due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide Movement Control Order, severely impacting Malaysia's tourism sector.
Malaysia Leads UN Initiative for Global Ceasefire Amid COVID-19
In June 2020, amid the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia spearheaded a United Nations General Assembly initiative that secured endorsements from 171-172 member states and observers for a global ceasefire, redirecting focus and resources to combat the virus as a common enemy.
Conviction of Najib Razak in the 1MDB Scandal
On July 28, 2020, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was convicted by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on seven counts related to the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International, a subsidiary of the 1MDB fund.
2020 Sabah State Election
The 2020 Sabah state election was a snap poll held on 26 September 2020 amid political defections and the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition securing a slim majority to form the state government, marking a significant shift in Sabah's political landscape.
