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Malaysia

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  • SDGs Completion World Ranking - 32
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Overview

Malaysia’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2025 presents the country’s progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through integrated economic, social and environmental strategies. The review highlights Malaysia’s whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic uncertainties and climate-related pressures. The VNR outlines national achievements between 2021 and 2024, including the reduction of absolute poverty from 8.4% in 2020 to 6.2% in 2022, improvement in maternal mortality ratio from 68.2 per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 25.7 in 2023, and the strengthening of sustainability initiatives through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), National Women’s Policy 2025–2030 and other national reforms.

Recommendations

  1. Strengthen targeted interventions to reduce urban-rural disparities and socioeconomic inequalities.
  2. Increase investment in research, development, innovation and high-technology industries to improve competitiveness.
  3. Expand renewable energy adoption and accelerate implementation of climate resilience policies.
  4. Enhance biodiversity conservation, marine protection and sustainable resource management measures.
  5. Improve women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making institutions.
  6. Strengthen healthcare systems and nutrition interventions, particularly for rural and vulnerable populations.
  7. Improve coordination, financing and monitoring mechanisms for SDG implementation towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s VNR 2025 demonstrates continued commitment towards achieving the SDGs through inclusive development, social protection, environmental sustainability and institutional reforms. Significant progress was achieved in poverty reduction, healthcare, women’s empowerment, labour productivity and climate-related initiatives between 2021 and 2024. However, challenges such as income inequality, malnutrition, biodiversity degradation, declining research and development expenditure and climate vulnerability continue to require urgent attention. Moving forward, Malaysia aims to strengthen innovation, renewable energy transition, social inclusion and multi-stakeholder partnerships to accelerate SDG implementation and achieve sustainable and resilient development by 2030.

SDGs Progress Tracker
  • SDGs Completion % 47
  • SDGs On-Track % 24
  • SDGs Achieved % 0
Voluntary National Reports
Country Focal Point

Dr Noranida Zainal 
Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Division
Ministry of Economy
Level 2, Menara Prisma, No. 26, Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 3, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62675 Putrajaya
Malaysia
Mr Asfaazam Kasbani
Director, National SDG Centre
Ministry of Economy
Address: Level 2, Menara Prisma, No. 26, Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 3, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62675 Putrajaya
Malaysia

Location

National SDG Centre, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya, Malaysia

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Region
  • Malaysia
No Poverty
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 1 to address structural inequalities and improve social mobility through universal access to food, housing, healthcare, education, decent work and social protection. The focus was particularly on the B40 income group, vulnerable communities and rural populations.
Challenges Malaysia experienced a rise in absolute poverty from 5.6% in 2019 to 8.4% in 2020 due to pandemic-related socioeconomic disruptions. Persistent inequalities between urban and rural communities also remained a challenge.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia’s incidence of absolute poverty declined from 8.4% in 2020 to 6.2% in 2022 following concerted national recovery efforts and targeted social protection measures. The Government expanded food aid, cash assistance, school feeding programmes and community-based farming initiatives while improving healthcare access and educational equity.
Unsolved Challenges Urban-rural disparities and socioeconomic inequalities continue to persist, requiring broader social security coverage and stronger targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.

 

Zero Hunger
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia emphasised SDG 2 to ensure food security, reduce malnutrition and strengthen sustainable agriculture. The Government also prioritised nutrition and healthcare interventions for children under five years of age.
Challenges Malaysia continues to face a double burden of malnutrition. While the national stunting rate declined slightly, stunting among male children increased from 20.2% to 21.8%, and among rural children from 21.7% to 23.8% between 2019 and 2022. Wasting also increased from 9.7% in 2019 to 11.0% in 2022, while overweight prevalence rose from 5.2% to 5.6%.
Progress/

Solution

 The overall stunting rate among children under five declined from 21.8% in 2019 to 21.2% in 2022 due to targeted nutrition programmes, improved healthcare access and strengthened community outreach initiatives. The Government also expanded food assistance and community-based farming programmes to support food security and nutrition.
Unsolved Challenges Regional disparities remain significant, with the highest stunting rates in 2022 recorded in Pahang at 28.2% and Sabah at 25.3%. Rural and male children continue to face higher risks of malnutrition, indicating the need for more targeted interventions.
Good Health
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 3 to improve healthcare access, maternal and child health, reproductive health and overall well-being. The country integrated healthcare reforms and health education policies within national development planning.
Challenges Persistent challenges included rising non-communicable diseases, healthcare system pressures and the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia achieved significant progress in maternal healthcare, with the maternal mortality ratio improving from 68.2 per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 25.7 per 100,000 live births in 2023. The Government strengthened healthcare services, expanded healthcare access and implemented the National Reproductive Health and Social Education Policy 2022–2025 (PEKERTI).
Unsolved Challenges Healthcare system pressures, rising non-communicable diseases and unequal healthcare access remain ongoing concerns, particularly among vulnerable and rural populations.
Quality Education
Score: 4
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 4 to strengthen human capital development, improve equitable access to education and expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The National TVET Policy 2030 and the National Reproductive Health and Social Education Policy 2022–2025 (PEKERTI) were aligned with SDG 4 objectives.
Challenges Malaysia continues to face challenges related to youth employability, skills mismatch and youth not in employment, education or training (NEET). Limited technology adoption and low research and development expenditure also constrained education and innovation progress. R&D expenditure declined from 1.4% of GDP in 2016 to 1.0% in 2020.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened TVET through the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK) and Ministry of Youth and Sports initiatives to improve employability and practical skills among youth. Entry-level wages for TVET graduates increased faster in real terms than those of academic graduates.
Unsolved Challenges Persistent structural imbalances, low innovation capacity and inadequate high-value job creation continue to affect education outcomes and labour market competitiveness.

 

Gender Equality
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 5 to reduce gender disparities, strengthen women’s empowerment and enhance women’s participation in leadership, employment and decision-making. The National Women’s Policy 2025–2030 and National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women (NAPAW) support these objectives.
Challenges Women’s political representation declined between 2021 and 2023, with representation in the House of Representatives decreasing from 14.9% to 13.5% and in the Senate from 18.2% to 16.1%. Persistent gender pay gaps, workplace discrimination and domestic violence also remained concerns.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia strengthened legal and policy frameworks through the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment in 2024 and amendments criminalising stalking in 2023. Domestic violence cases against women declined from 5,131 in 2021 to 4,294 in 2023. Women in managerial positions increased from 23.2% in 2021 to 25.4% in 2023, while female labour force participation reached 56.2% in 2023.
Unsolved Challenges Gender gaps in leadership, labour force participation and equal pay remain unresolved. Malaysia continues to address systemic barriers limiting women’s advancement and economic inclusion.
Water & Sanitation
Score: 4
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 6 to address water security, safe drinking water access and environmental sustainability under the Planet Pillar. National efforts focused on climate resilience, pollution management and sustainable resource use.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face water security issues, pollution occurrences and climate-related environmental pressures. Protected marine areas remained below national targets, while ecosystem integrity and biodiversity challenges persisted.
Progress/

Solution

 Access to safe drinking water reached 95.2%, while access to electricity for households was almost universal. The Government also strengthened renewable energy and environmental sustainability initiatives through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and related policies.
Unsolved Challenges Water security concerns, pollution and declining ecosystem integrity continue to threaten long-term environmental sustainability. Marine protected areas remained below national targets, while fish stocks within sustainable levels declined from 57.9% to 54.3%.
Clean Energy
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 7 to strengthen energy security, accelerate renewable energy adoption and support sustainable economic growth through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Challenges Malaysia continued to face challenges related to greenhouse gas emissions, dependence on fossil fuels and the need to accelerate the renewable energy transition. Environmental sustainability and climate resilience also remained major concerns.
Progress/

Solution

 Access to electricity for households was almost universal, while the Government strengthened renewable energy and low-carbon transition initiatives through NETR and related sustainability policies. Malaysia also enhanced national climate and green investment strategies to support energy transition objectives.
Unsolved Challenges Malaysia continues to face difficulties in reducing emissions intensity, increasing renewable energy capacity and balancing economic growth with climate commitments.

 

Decent Work
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 8 to promote inclusive economic growth, improve labour productivity, strengthen employment opportunities and enhance workers’ well-being under the Prosperity Pillar.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face labour market challenges, including skills mismatch, low-value job creation and youth not in employment, education or training (NEET). Wage disparities and productivity gaps also persisted.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2023 compared to 8.9% in 2022, while the unemployment rate improved from 4.6% in 2021 to 3.4% in 2023. Labour productivity per employment increased from RM89,379 in 2021 to RM99,824 in 2023. Female labour force participation also reached 56.2% in 2023.
Unsolved Challenges Structural labour market weaknesses, low innovation intensity and unequal wage growth remain unresolved, particularly among youth and lower-income groups.

 

Industry & Infrastructure
Score: 4
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 9 to strengthen industrial competitiveness, digital transformation, infrastructure development and innovation-driven growth. The country also focused on advancing TVET and research capabilities.
Challenges Malaysia faced declining research and development expenditure and limited innovation capacity. Gross expenditure on R&D declined from 1.4% of GDP in 2016 to 1.0% in 2020. Structural dependence on low-skilled industries and limited technology adoption also constrained progress.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened digitalisation, TVET and industrial transformation initiatives to improve competitiveness and productivity. Labour productivity per employment increased from RM89,379 in 2021 to RM99,824 in 2023, while Malaysia expanded infrastructure and innovation-focused policy reforms.
Unsolved Challenges Innovation gaps, low R&D investment and inadequate high-technology industrial development continue to limit Malaysia’s transition towards a high-income and knowledge-based economy.
Inequality
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 10 to reduce socioeconomic disparities, strengthen social inclusion and improve opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised groups, particularly the B40 income group and rural communities.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face persistent income disparities, regional inequalities and unequal access to quality services between urban and rural populations. Vulnerable groups remained disproportionately affected by poverty and economic shocks.
Progress/

Solution

 The incidence of absolute poverty declined from 8.4% in 2020 to 6.2% in 2022 through targeted social protection, food assistance and inclusive recovery measures. Female labour force participation also increased to 56.2% in 2023, contributing to greater economic inclusion.
Unsolved Challenges Urban-rural development gaps, income inequality and unequal economic opportunities remain unresolved, requiring stronger targeted support and inclusive development policies.

 

Sustainable Cities
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 11 to strengthen sustainable urban development, improve resilience and ensure better quality of life through environmental sustainability and infrastructure planning.
Challenges Rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, pollution and climate-related risks continued to challenge sustainable city development. Ecosystem integrity and biodiversity conservation also remained under pressure.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia expanded sustainability and climate-related initiatives under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and strengthened environmental management strategies. Household access to safe drinking water reached 95.2%, while electricity access was almost universal.
Unsolved Challenges Pollution, environmental degradation and inadequate ecosystem protection continue to threaten sustainable urban and community development. Marine protected areas remained below national targets.
Responsible Consumption
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 12 to promote sustainable resource management, environmental sustainability and responsible production practices within national development planning.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face challenges related to resource efficiency, environmental degradation, waste management and sustainable consumption patterns. Dependence on fossil fuels and pressures on biodiversity also persisted.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened sustainability frameworks and green transition initiatives through NETR and broader environmental policies to support responsible production and resource efficiency.
Unsolved Challenges Long-term environmental sustainability risks, declining ecosystem integrity and insufficient progress in biodiversity protection continue to affect responsible consumption and production outcomes. Fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels declined from 57.9% to 54.3%.
Climate Action
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 13 to address climate change, strengthen resilience and support low-carbon development through national climate and energy transition policies.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face climate-related environmental pressures, greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation. Climate vulnerability and biodiversity loss remained major concerns.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia implemented the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and strengthened low-carbon and renewable energy initiatives to support climate mitigation and sustainability goals. Environmental sustainability and green investment policies were also expanded.
Unsolved Challenges Malaysia continues to face challenges in reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems and achieving long-term climate resilience while maintaining economic growth and development priorities.
Life Below Water
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 14 to protect marine ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity conservation and ensure sustainable use of ocean and marine resources under the Planet Pillar. National efforts focused on marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries and ecosystem resilience.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face marine pollution, biodiversity degradation, overexploitation of marine resources and declining fish stocks. Marine protected areas remained below national targets, while climate-related pressures threatened coastal and marine ecosystems.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened environmental sustainability and marine conservation initiatives through national biodiversity and ecosystem management policies. Malaysia also continued efforts to improve sustainable fisheries management and marine ecosystem protection.
Unsolved Challenges Fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels declined from 57.9% to 54.3%, indicating continuing pressure on marine biodiversity and fisheries sustainability. Marine protected areas also remained below national targets, highlighting the need for stronger conservation measures and enforcement.

 

Life on Land
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 15 to conserve terrestrial ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity protection and ensure sustainable management of forests and natural resources. Environmental sustainability was integrated into national development planning under the Planet Pillar.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, land-use pressures and environmental sustainability challenges. Climate change and pollution also increased risks to terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened biodiversity conservation, environmental governance and sustainability initiatives through national climate and environmental policies, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Malaysia also continued conservation and ecosystem protection programmes to improve environmental resilience.
Unsolved Challenges Declining ecosystem integrity, biodiversity pressures and insufficient protected ecosystem coverage remain significant challenges. Environmental degradation and climate-related risks continue to threaten long-term sustainability outcomes.

 

Peace & Justice
Score: 3
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 16 to strengthen governance, justice, institutional accountability and social protection through inclusive policies, legal reforms and improved public services.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face challenges related to governance effectiveness, gender-based violence, institutional inequalities and protection of vulnerable groups. Women’s representation in decision-making institutions also remained low.
Progress/

Solution

 Malaysia strengthened institutional and legal frameworks through the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, amendments criminalising stalking in 2023 and the establishment of the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment in 2024. Domestic violence cases against women declined from 5,131 in 2021 to 4,294 in 2023. The Government also strengthened the National Women’s Policy 2025–2030 and the National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women (NAPAW).
Unsolved Challenges Women’s political representation declined between 2021 and 2023, with representation in the House of Representatives falling from 14.9% to 13.5% and in the Senate from 18.2% to 16.1%. Persistent institutional inequalities and protection gaps for vulnerable groups continue to require further reforms.
Partnerships
Score: 4
Justification Malaysia prioritised SDG 17 to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, international cooperation and integrated policy implementation for sustainable development. National SDG implementation involved collaboration across government, private sector, academia and civil society.
Challenges Malaysia continued to face challenges in financing sustainable development, improving innovation capacity and ensuring coordinated implementation across sectors. Declining R&D expenditure and technology gaps also constrained progress.
Progress/

Solution

 The Government strengthened whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approaches through integrated SDG implementation frameworks, sustainability partnerships and national transformation initiatives, including NETR, TVET reforms and social protection programmes. Malaysia also enhanced collaboration with international and regional partners to support SDG implementation.
Unsolved Challenges Gross expenditure on R&D declined from 1.4% of GDP in 2016 to 1.0% in 2020, reflecting continuing innovation and financing gaps. Coordination challenges, resource limitations and unequal development capacities remain barriers to achieving the SDGs comprehensively by 2030.

 

SDGs World Progress: On-Track
  • SDG4
  • SDG9
  • SDG6
  • SDG17
Country Challenges
  1. Absolute poverty increased from 5.6% in 2019 to 8.4% in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic before improving in later years.
  2. Malaysia continued to face income inequality, urban-rural disparities and unequal access to opportunities among vulnerable groups.
  3. Stunting among rural children increased from 21.7% in 2019 to 23.8% in 2022, while wasting increased from 9.7% to 11.0% during the same period.
  4. Women’s representation in the House of Representatives declined from 14.9% in 2021 to 13.5% in 2023, while Senate representation declined from 18.2% to 16.1%.
  5. Gross expenditure on research and development declined from 1.4% of GDP in 2016 to 1.0% in 2020, limiting innovation and technology progress.
  6. Fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels declined from 57.9% to 54.3%, reflecting increasing environmental and marine ecosystem pressures.
  7. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity degradation and dependence on fossil fuels continued to challenge environmental sustainability and resilience.
Country Lessons Learned
  1. Strong whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approaches improve SDG implementation effectiveness.
  2. Targeted social protection and recovery measures can rapidly reduce poverty after economic crises.
  3. Integrating TVET reforms with labour market needs improves employability and productivity outcomes.
  4. Legal reforms, including anti-harassment and anti-stalking laws, strengthen protection for women and vulnerable groups.
  5. Combining climate action, energy transition and economic development supports long-term sustainability and resilience.
  6. Multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government, academia, civil society and the private sector strengthen SDG delivery.
  7. Community-based nutrition, food security and healthcare programmes help address child malnutrition and vulnerable population needs.
Country Contribution
  1. The national poverty rate declined from 5.2 percent in 2022 to 5.0 percent in 2024, while the international extreme poverty rate fell from 2.7 percent in 2021 to 1.4 percent in 2024.
  2. In 2024, over 4.5 million people received pensions and benefits worth ₸5.3 tn through expanded social protection systems.
  3. Gross agricultural production increased by 13.7 percent to ₸8.3 tn in 2024, while agricultural financing rose to ₸580 bn compared with ₸180 bn previously.
  4. Renewable energy generated 6.43 percent of total electricity production in 2024, compared with 3.7 percent in 2020, with renewable energy facilities increasing to 154 and installed capacity exceeding 3 GW.
  5. Public expenditure on education reached 5.9 percent of GDP in 2024, while preschool coverage for children aged 2–6 years increased to 93.1 percent.
  6. In April 2024, Kazakhstan criminalised domestic violence and strengthened legal protections for women and children.
  7. Internet coverage reached 99 percent of settlements in 2024, while 5G technology was introduced in major cities under the Digital Kazakhstan programme.
  8. Access to safely managed drinking water services reached 99.4 percent in urban areas and 97.8 percent in rural areas in 2024.
  9. In 2024, 18.9 million square metres of housing were commissioned to support sustainable urban development and housing access.
  10. Kazakhstan adopted the Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and expanded renewable energy and green finance initiatives.

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