Malaysia Colonial Records

Portuguese Colonization (1511-1641)
The Portuguese were conquerors after 40 days of fighting in April 1511. The Dutch assaulted and finally took control from the Portuguese in January 1641.

Dutch Colonization (1641-1824)
The Dutch won control from the Portuguese in January 1641. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 defined the boundaries between British Malaya and the Dutch East Indies.

British Colonization (1786-1957)
The British established its first presence in 1795. Full control was achieved in 1824 with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. Malaysia became independent on 31 August 1957.

Japanese Colonization (1942-1945)
The Japanese forces took control of Malaysia in February 1942 during World War II. Control returned to the British in 1945.