The 2016 Malaysia Cup began on July with a preliminary round.
It was the second time in the tournament's history that both finalists, after the same team faced each other in the last season's final, which Kedah been defeated by Selangor 2–0.
In the competition, the top 11 teams from the First Round of 2016 Malaysia Super League were joined by the top 5 teams from the First Round of 2016 Malaysia Premier League.
[1] The draw for the 2016 Malaysia Cup was held on 23 May 2016 at Sri Pentas, Persiaran Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya on live telecast Scoreboard Extra Time with the participating team coaches and captains in attendance.
In the knockout stage, teams played against each other over two legs on a home-and-away basis, except for the one-match final.