See main article: 2012 Malaysian Open.
Jelena Dokić was the defending champion, but lost in the second round to compatriot Olivia Rogowska.
Hsieh Su-wei took the title by defeating No.5 seed Petra Martić in the final 2 - 6, 7 - 5, 4 - 1. Martić retired due to fatigue and cramping after playing a three-hour semifinal match earlier in the day.
The top seed received a bye into the second round (of the qualifying).