In 1511, under the leadership of the governor of Portuguese India, Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese sought to capture the strategic port city of Malacca, which controlled the crucial Strait of Malacca, a vital point for seagoing trade between China and India. Albuquerque's mission was twofold: to implement King Manuel I of Portugal's plan to outpace the Castilians in reaching the Far East and to establish a strong foundation for Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean by controlling key points like Hormuz, Goa, Aden, and Malacca.

Upon their arrival at Malacca in July 1, Albuquerque attempted negotiations with Sultan Mahmud Shah for the safe return of Portuguese prisoners and demanded various compensations. However, the Sultan's evasiveness led to a bombardment by the Portuguese and subsequent assault. The city's defenses, despite being numerically superior and having various artillery pieces, were overwhelmed by the Portuguese forces in two major assaults. They quickly captured key points in the city, faced war elephants, and repelled counter-attacks. Successful negotiations with various merchant communities in the city, particularly the Chinese, further strengthened the Portuguese position.^[51]

By August, after rigorous street combat and strategic maneuvers, the Portuguese had effectively taken control of Malacca. The plunder from the city was vast, with soldiers and captains receiving a substantial share. Though the Sultan retreated and hoped for a Portuguese departure after their loot, the Portuguese had more permanent plans. To that effect he ordered the construction of a fortress close to the shoreline, which became known as A Famosa, due to its unusually tall keep, over 59 feet (18 m) high. The capture of Malacca marked a significant territorial conquest, expanding Portuguese influence in the region and ensuring their control over a key trade route. The son of the last Sultan of Malacca, Alauddin Riayat Shah II fled to the southern tip of the peninsula, where he founded a state that which became the Sultanate of Johor in 1528. Another son established the Perak Sultanate to the north. Portuguese influence was strong, as they aggressively tried to convert the population of Malacca to Catholicism.^[52]