What Malaysians really cared about in 2025, according to Google search data

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Google’s Year in Search 2025 offers a revealing snapshot of what mattered most to Malaysians over the past year. The data points to a nation navigating rapid technological change while staying firmly grounded in practical concerns, from managing household costs to rallying behind local culture and talent.

At the top of the overall trending searches was Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, followed closely by DeepSeek and Hailuo AI. The dominance of AI tools signals a clear shift in behaviour. Malaysians are no longer merely curious about artificial intelligence, they are actively integrating it into daily life. From SME owners streamlining operations and marketing to students seeking learning support, AI has moved from novelty to necessity in 2025.

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This growing reliance on technology, however, sits alongside persistent concerns around affordability and economic resilience. Searches related to government assistance featured prominently across multiple categories. Programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), MyKasih, MySalam and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) ranked among the most searched news topics, underscoring how closely Malaysians are tracking policies that directly impact their cost of living.

The introduction of Budi95, the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy rolled out in September, further fuelled search activity. Malaysians turned to Google to check eligibility and understand how the QR based system worked at petrol stations, highlighting how search has become a critical tool for navigating policy changes in real time.

Beyond practicality, 2025 was also a defining year for homegrown entertainment. Local action thriller Blood Brothers: Bara Naga emerged as the most searched film, outperforming Hollywood heavyweights such as Superman and Thunderbolts. Directed by Syafiq Yusof, the film’s box office success, grossing more than RM80 million, sparked widespread online conversation and reflected growing confidence in Malaysian storytelling and production values.

Search behaviour during moments of crisis further reinforced Google’s role as an essential information hub. Spikes were recorded during the Putra Heights pipeline explosion in April and the Southern Selangor floods, as Malaysians searched for updates on road closures, safety advisories and emergency contacts.

Pop culture and viral moments also featured strongly throughout the year. Searches surged following My Chemical Romance’s announcement of a Kuala Lumpur concert, while internet phenomena such as the “Nanjing Sister Hong” meme crossed borders into Malaysian feeds. Local singer Amira Othman topped individual searches, driven by interest in both her music and personal life as she tied the knot with actor Fattah Amin this year.

Local high-profile court cases also drew significant attention, with Malaysians closely following legal proceedings involving singer Naim Daniel over sexual assault allegations and politician Syed Saddiq on corruption charges.

Taken together, the data paints a picture of a pragmatic digital society. Malaysians are highly adaptive, using search to manage financial realities and stay informed, while also embracing advanced technology to improve productivity. At the same time, strong support for local films, talent and destinations signals growing cultural confidence.

Overall trending searches