Year in Search 2024: Here’s What Malaysians Searched, Celebrated, and Remembered
From sporting triumphs to groundbreaking news that shaped the nation, this year’s search trends offer a window into what captivated Malaysians
As 2024 enters its final chapter, it is the perfect time to reflect on the moments that defined the year. With Google’s Year in Search, Malaysians are reminded of the topics they searched for throughout the past twelve months. From electrifying sports moments that brought the nation together, to headline-grabbing news and viral trends that sparked nationwide fascination, this year’s searches paint a vibrant picture of the stories that resonated deeply across the country.
A Year of Sporting Glory That United Malaysians
2024 was a year when sports had Malaysians glued to their screens and cheering with passion, with 6 out of the top 10 trending searches reflecting the nation’s deep-seated love for sports. Whether it was friends huddled around screens at mamak stalls, enthusiastically watching the UEFA Euro 2024 (#1 Search, #1 Sports) over steaming cups of teh tarik, or families gathering at home to catch every nail-biting moment of the AFC Asian Cup (#4 Searches, #2 Sports), the excitement resonated deeply with Malaysians. The Copa América (#6 Searches, #4 Sports) added to the football fever, proving that no matter the time zone, Malaysians will always stay up for the love of the game.
The Paris Olympics 2024 (#3 Sports) also saw Malaysian athletes bring their A-game, with badminton stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik earning a repeat bronze medal in men’s doubles, while singles star Lee Zii Jia claimed his own bronze in singles, proudly flying the Malaysian flag high. The "Malaysia Boleh" spirit carried on with the Paralympics 2024 (#9 Sports), adding an emotional layer to the year’s sporting achievements, with Malaysian athletes taking home five medals. Back home, local broadcaster RTM (#7 Sports) kept Malaysians connected to all the action with seamless live coverage.
Malaysians’ love for sports also translated into the personalities they were searching for, with athletes taking half of the spots in the Trending People list. National heroes such as cyclist Azizulhasni Awang (#2 People) or fondly known as the "Pocket Rocketman" and badminton player Pearly Tan (#8 People) inspired the nation with their outstanding performances at the Olympics 2024. Footballer Faisal Halim (#5 People) also garnered attention with his impressive comeback to the national team. Internationally, badminton enthusiasts followed the journeys of Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn (#4 People) and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (#10 People), whose stellar performances earned silver and gold medals at the Olympics 2024.
Sports aside, Malaysians were keeping a close watch of the US election campaigns by Donald Trump (#6 People) and Kamala Harris (#9 People).
With the rising costs of living, Malaysians turned to search for financial assistance programs and ways to manage their budgets. Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (#1 News), the government’s cash assistance for the low and middle income groups, topped the trending ‘News’ list. Complementing these efforts was the Program Bantuan Subsidi Madani (#9 News) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (#10 News), which provided targeted subsidies, collectively offering much-needed relief during challenging economic times.
Malaysians have also embraced the digital evolution in education and welfare, with platforms like DELIMa (#8 searches, #3 News), offering digital learning tools for students and educators, and AINS (#7 News), fostering a reading culture among students, making their way into the trending searches list. Social welfare programs like MyKasih (#6 News) that support vulnerable communities were high on Malaysians’ search behaviour. Additionally, the KWSP Akaun (#8 News) remained a focal point for Malaysians planning their financial futures.
From chat bots to creative tools, AI has seamlessly become part of Malaysians’ daily routines. The widespread adoption in AI is further fueled by government initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Framework and Digital Economy Blueprint, which continue to drive AI integration across both personal and professional spheres.
For instance, AI chatbots like Gemini (#3 AI) are reimagining the way people are finding information and staying productive. Malaysians are also staying creative with tools such as Viggle AI (#7 AI) and Vidu Studio (#8 AI) to transform text into breathtaking visuals within seconds, unlocking new avenues for artistic expression and innovation.
Malaysians flocked to theaters in a wave of excitement as Inside Out 2 (#1 Movies) and Kung Fu Panda 4 (#6 Movies) brought beloved characters back to the big screen. For fans who grew up with the earlier installments, the anticipation was heightened and made these sequels into must-watch cinematic events that reignited nostalgia. Superhero fans were treated to a thrilling lineup with Deadpool (#2 Movies), Madame Web (#5 Movies), and Venom (#7 Movies) with each offering a compelling take on the superhero genre that intrigues both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Back at home, TV dramas became a source of comfort and connection for Malaysians. Global hits like Queen of Tears (#1 TV Shows), Marry My Husband (#2 TV Shows) and 家族荣曜之继承者 (The Heir to the Throne) (#3 TV Shows) brought emotionally charged narratives to the forefront, offering a blend of love, loss, and resilience that kept viewers hooked week after week. Series like Aku Bukan Ustazah (#4 TV Shows) and Lovely Runner (#5 TV Shows) emerged as fan favorites, weaving cultural nuances into compelling stories that felt both authentic and emotional.
While celebrating the presence of loved ones, Malaysians also turned to Google to honor the lives of figures who passed. The unexpected loss of Liam Payne (#1 Passing), beloved former member of One Direction, sent shockwaves across the globe. The passing of Taib Mahmud (#2 Passing), Sarawak’s former Governor and Chief Minister, on the other hand, marked the end of a significant chapter in Malaysian politics.
The nation also mourned the loss of cherished personalities such as Nidza Afham (#4 Passing), Hamdan Senario (#6 Passing), Jaafar Onn (#7 Passing), and Nabil Zamanhuri (#10 Passing), whose contributions left an impact in the entertainment industry. Globally, the departure of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama (#5 Passing), whose iconic Dragon Ball series many Malaysians grew up watching, serves as a reminder of the profound impact cultural icons have in shaping childhoods.
In addition to showcasing what people were curious about in Malaysia, Google Search tools also offer insights into which topics captured the entire world’s attention in 2024. Visit the global trends site to explore the rest of this year’s Year in Search stories and top trending charts from Malaysia and around the world.
What is Google’s Year in Search?
Google’s 2024 Year in Search looks back at both the moments, people, topics, events, and places across our 26 year history as well as within the past year that captured the world’s attention. Just as Search can help you explore and discover a world of information, there are many ways to explore the year through the lens of Google Search. Year in Search takes a look at the overall most searched trends to hundreds of top 10 lists of trending topics across pop culture and lifestyle, sports, music, news, and more from across over 60 countries.
