Malaysia joined WHO on 24 April 1958 as Malaya. In 1957, it obtained its independence. In 1963, Malaysia was formed with Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak. In 1965, Singapore withdrew from the Federation.

From May 1956 to January 1964, the WHO Representative Office in Singapore covered Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore. In 1964, the Representative Office was transferred to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.