1948 in Malaya

This article lists important figures and events in Malayan public affairs during the year 1948, together with births and deaths of significant Malayans. Malaya left the British colonial Malayan Union; the Federation of Malaya took place on 1 February.

Early 1948 – The British government banned Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), together with several other political parties like PKMM and Hisbul Muslimin, accusing them of having connections to the Malayan Communist Party. 1 February – The Federation of Malaya was established, replacing the Malayan Union. 18 February – Keeper of the Rulers' Seal was established. 16 June – Three European estate managers were murdered at Sg. Siput, Perak, which led to the events on 19 June. 19 June – A state of emergency was declared in Malaya following Communist rebellions. 16 July – Leading Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) member Lau Yew was killed. 1 August – General Operations Force was founded as Jungle Squad. 6 October – Sir Henry Gurney was appointed High Commissioner of Malaya. 12 December – 25 civilians were killed by British soldiers at Batang Kali, Selangor. December – Kachau Village in Selangor was torched by the British to smoke out Communist guerillas. Unknown date – The Federal Legislative Council (Malaya) was established as the legislative body of the Federation of Malaya (predecessor of the Malaysian Parliament). Unknown date – The Malayan National Liberation Army was founded (dissolved in 1989). Unknown date – The Malaysian Red Crescent was founded as branches of the British Red Cross Society. Unknown date – The Melaka Warrior Monument was completed and unveiled. Unknown date – The Sedition Act 1948 was enacted. Unknown date – The Interpretation Acts 1948 was enacted. Unknown date – Federated Malay States Railways (FMSR) was dissolved and replaced by Malayan Railways. Unknown date – All Malaya Council of Joint Action (AMCJA) was dissolved.