This article lists important figures and events in Malaysian public affairs during the year 1982, together with births and deaths of notable Malaysians.
Incumbent political figures
Federal level
Yang di-Pertuan Agong: Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang
Raja Permaisuri Agong: Tengku Ampuan Afzan of Pahang
Prime Minister: Dato' Sri Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Deputy Prime Minister: Dato' Musa Hitam
Lord President: Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Hashim then Azlan Shah
State level
Sultan of Johor: Sultan Iskandar
Sultan of Kedah: Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah
Sultan of Kelantan: Sultan Ismail Petra
Raja of Perlis: Tuanku Syed Putra
Sultan of Perak: Sultan Idris Shah II
Sultan of Pahang: Tengku Abdullah (Regent) Sultan of Selangor: Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Sultan of Terengganu: Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan: Tuanku Jaafar (Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong) Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Penang: Tun Dr Awang Hassan Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Malacca: Tun Syed Zahiruddin bin Syed Hassan Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Sarawak: Tun Abdul Rahman Ya'kub Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Sabah: Tun Mohd Adnan Robert
Events
1 January – The time zone in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore changed to GMT+08:00, and it has not changed since. 1 January – The metric system of weights and measurements was introduced to replace the British imperial systems. 2 January – The clock-in punchcard system for civil servants begins. 3 January – Kota Darul Ehsan, the biggest arch in Malaysia was opened. 10 January – The former Defence Minister, Tan Sri Ghazalie Shafie survived a plane crash. February – The construction of the Penang Bridge projects began. 13 February – The first section of the North–South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway toll sections from Sungai Besi to Labu was opened to traffic. 16 February – A measure of speed is essayed, with the Poslaju service to Singapore. March – The second version of Malaysian Ringgit RM 1 notes was introduced. April – The 1982 Malaysian General Elections. The State Assemblyman for Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Mohd Taha Talib was found murdered. The Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mokhtar Hashim was arrested and later convicted in connection with the murder. 29 April – McDonald's Malaysia opened its first restaurant at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. 3 June – Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam declares he will take a $1,000 pay cut. 1 July – Official opening of the East–West Highway from Gerik, Perak to Jeli, Kelantan. 31 August – Malaysia celebrated its Silver Jubilee after 25 years of independence
Births
10 January – Quincy Tan – Malaysian Chinese singer-songwriter
12 January - Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad - Politician and writer
18 June – Chin Eei Hui – Badminton player (doubles) 1 July – Daniel Lee Chee Hun – Malaysian Chinese singer 30 September – Hafiz Hashim – Badminton player 21 October – Lee Chong Wei – Badminton player 24 October – Mohamed Fairuz Fauzy – Malaysian A1GP driver
Deaths
16 March – Tun Syed Nasir Ismail – Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (1978-1982)