The team had its prime time between 1960 and 1995 when it qualified for the FIBA Asia Championship, Asia's most prestigious basketball tournament, 18 times in a row.

In 1986 it qualified for the World Cup, its most noteworthy accomplishment to date.

The women's national team has more successes internationally compared to the men's counterpart.

In Malaysia, basketball is predominantly played by people of Chinese background as the game was first introduced in the 20th century in Chinese national schools by teachers from China.

[2] Yet to qualify The following twelve players were named to the roster for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Pre-qualifiers.