December 8, 2022
KUALA LUMPUR – Google has unveiled its list for top trending searches in Malaysia for the year, and 10th Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emerged as the top trending local personality among users.
Data on Google Trends showed that interest in Anwar peaked in November during the events of the 15th General Election.
The list also includes other local political figures such as former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (No. 3), newly-minted Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (No. 4) and Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (No. 9).
Also listed in the top 10 are former newsreader Zalina Azman who is reportedly missing (No. 2) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (No. 5).
As for international personalities, Hollywood actress Amber Heard came in first followed by her former husband, actor Johnny Depp. The two were embroiled in a court case that fascinated netizens on social media.
In terms of overall top trending searches, Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia took the top spot this year with the highest interest recorded in March, followed by MySPR Semak, World Cup 2022, ‘Keputusan PRU 15’ and MyUndi. Other government schemes in the list is Peranti Siswa (No. 7). Anwar is also on the list at No. 8.
Other searches on the list include Wordle (No. 6), the late Queen Elizabeth (No. 9) and Mental Age Test (No. 10).
Google Malaysia communications manager Nadia Khan said the Year in Search revealed that Malaysians were mostly trying to get more information on development related to the local political scene.
“While we were concerned citizens of the world with interest on global issues, the passing of prominent global figures and sporting events, we were also invested in local moments with six out of the ten overall trending searches focused on Malaysia, including various search terms related to the 15th General Elections and local politicians,” she said in a statement.
As Undi-18 was implemented this year which added five million new voters, Nadia said many users have also turned to the Internet to find reliable information.