By Mohd Azmi Bahtiar, Nur-‘Azah Afnan Hanafi, Manpower and Social Statistics Division, Department of Statistics Malaysia
BACKGROUND OF SDG
The United Nations (UN) launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda in 2015, which focuses on sustainable development. All 193 UN member states include Malaysia are committed in supporting and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to achieve the set objectives and targets. A global indicator framework consisting of 244 indicators was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to measure the 17 goals and 169 targets. During the 51st Session of the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 2020, the indicator framework was reviewed, and 247 indicators were adopted. While the 53rd Session of the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 2022 stated that the total of current global SDG indicator count is 248 (231 unique indicators).
IMPLEMENTATION OF SDG IN MALAYSIA
At the national level, efforts to establish SDG indicators started since 2016 through workshops and series of meetings with relevant ministries and agencies. To date, 51 ministries and agencies are involved in the development of SDG indicators in Malaysia. National SDG Governance is established and chaired by YAB Prime Minister to monitor the implementation of SDG. This demonstrates the nation’s serious commitment to achieving a fair, inclusive and sustainable country by adopting 2030 Agenda as a target in government policy. Therefore, it is crucial for us to assess the availability and achievement of SDG indicators as these indicators play a crucial role in the measurement, monitoring and success of SDG implementation in the country.
AVAILABILITY OF SDG 2022 INDICATORS
The availability status of Malaysia’s SDG indicators has been progressing from 99 indicators (41%) in 2018 to 175 indicators (71%) in 2021. The availability of indicators has improved further to 195 representing 79 per cent of the global indicators with 20 additional indicators at the national level in 2022 as compared to 2021. At the state level, the availability of indicators was 80 in 2022 as compared to 76 in the previous year. Meanwhile, at the district level, there were 23 available indicators in 2022 as compared to 20 indicators in 2021.The achievement in the availability of SDG indicators showcases Malaysia’s commitment in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
PERFORMANCE OF SDG INDICATORS BY GOAL
In the view of the performance of SDG indicators in 2022, out of a total of 195 reported indicators, data for 146 indicators are available for the year 2022. A total of 100 indicators (68%) show positive increases during that period, while the remaining 29 indicators (20%) show negative growth and 17 indicators (12%) show no change. Goal 17 recorded the highest number of positive indicators, with 15 indicators, followed by Goal 16 (10 indicators) and Goal 3 (9 indicators).
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1) aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. SDG1 includes 13 indicators at the global level and eight (8) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Among the indicators that have achieved positive targets are SDG 1.4.1 (Access to basic needs), SDG 1.5.1 (Disasters), SDG 1.5.3 (Reduction of disaster risk), SDG 1.5.4 (Local government disaster risk reduction) and SDG 1.a.2 (Government expenditure on health). Two (2) indicators that recorded negative changes are SDG 1.2.1 (National poverty line) and SDG 1.3.1 (Social protection), while SDG 1.1.1 (International poverty line) remained unchanged. In the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), Malaysia demonstrates a stronger commitment to addressing poverty issues, particularly through Theme 2 and Driver of Change 6. The primary focus is on transforming approaches to combat persistent poverty by the year 2025.
Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) sets out to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. SDG2 encompasses 14 indicators at global level and four (4) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Three (3) indicators show positive performance are SDG 2.2.1 (Prevalence of stunting), SDG 2.3.1 (Agricultural productivity) and SDG 2.5.1 (Genetic resources for food). However, SDG 2.2.2 (Prevalence of overweight) records negative performance in 2022. The National Agrofood Policy, 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) is the government’s initiative to develop a sustainable, resilient and hightech agrifood sector to drive economic growth, improve the well-being of the people and prioritise food security and nutrition.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) is to ensure a healthy life and promote well-being at all ages. SDG3 encompasses 28 indicators at global level and 18 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Nine (9) indicators show positive performance for this goal, namely SDG 3.1.1 (Maternal mortality), SDG 3.1.2 (Trained health personnel), SDG 3.3.5 (Mass drug administration), SDG 3.4.2 (Suicide rate), SDG 3.7.2 (Adolescent birth rate), SDG 3.b.1 (Vaccination coverage), SDG 3.c.1 (Health workforce), SDG 3.d.1 (International Health Regulations) and 3.d.2 (Antimicrobial resistance). Indicators that record negative performance are SDG 3.2.1 (Under-5 mortality), SDG 3.2.2 (Neonatal mortality), SDG 3.3.2 (Tuberculosis incidence), SDG 3.5.1 (Drug treatment coverage) and SDG 3.6.1 (Road traffic mortality). The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has prepared the MOH Action Plan 2021-2025 to enhance the country’s healthcare system. This Action Plan comprises four cores, namely:
i. Core Strategy 1: Strengthening Healthcare Services;
ii. Core Strategy 2: Enhancing Healthcare Financing;
iii. Core Strategy 3: Strengthening Health Awareness and Community Empowerment; and iv. Core Strategy 4: Leveraging Technology and Innovation in Healthcare.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. SDG4 encompasses 12 indicators at global level and 10 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. A total of eight (8) indicators show positive performance for this goal, that are SDG 4.1.2 (Completion rate), SDG 4.2.2 (Participation rate in pre-primary education), SDG 4.4.1 (Information and communication technology skills), SDG 4.5.1 (Gender parity index), SDG 4.6.1 (Literacy proficiency level), SDG 4.a.1 (Basic services), SDG 4.b.1 (Official development assistance for scholarships), and SDG 4.c.1 (Qualified teachers). Meanwhile, two (2) indicators show negative performance, which are SDG 4.2.1 (children developmentally on track in health) and SDG 4.3.1 (Youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training).
The Education Development Plan 2013-2025 has set targets to be achieved in terms of quality, equity and access over a period of 13 years. There are five aspirations for the Malaysian education system:
i. Access – 100% enrollment across all education levels from pre-school to upper secondary by the year 2020;
ii. Quality – The country to be in the top one-third in international assessments such as TIMSS and PISA within 15 years;
iii. Equity – A 50% reduction in achievement gaps (urban-rural, socioeconomic, gender) by the year 2020;
iv. Unity – An education system that offers shared experiences and values to children while appreciating diversity; and
v. Efficiency – A system that maximizes student success within existing resources.
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. SDG5 encompasses 14 indicators at global level and 10 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Six (6) indicators record positive achievements, namely SDG 5.5.1 (Legal framework), SDG 5.5.2 (Women in managerial positions), SDG 5.6.2 (Adolescent Social and Reproductive Health Policy), SDG 5.a.2 (Land ownership laws), SDG 5.b.1 (Mobile phone ownership) and SDG 5.c.1 (Gender equality system). Two (2) indicators showing negative changes are SDG 5.5.2 (Sexual violence other than intimate partner) and SDG 5.5.1 (Seats held by women in the national parliament). The National Women’s Policy implemented in 1989 aims to ensure the development and empowerment of women by mainstreaming women’s interests to fully realise their potential in the planning and development of the country, striving for gender equality.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG6 encompasses 11 indicators at global level and six (6) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Four (4) indicators record positive achievements for this goal, that are SDG 6.1.1 (Managed drinking water), SDG 6.2.1 (Sanitation services), SDG 6.3.1 (Treated domestic wastewater) and SDG 6.3.2 (Good ambient water quality). Meanwhile, SDG 6.4.2 shows negative achievement (Water stress level), while SDG 6.5.2 (Transboundary basin areas) remained unchanged. The National Water Policy 2010-2050 outlines strategic directions and frameworks for strategic actions to ensure the sustainable use and development of water resources for the benefit of the country, its population and the environment.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. SDG7 encompasses six (6) indicators at global level and two (2) indicators are available at the national level in 2022 with SDG 7.1.2 (Dependency on fossil fuels and clean technology) recorded a positive achievement while SDG 7.1.1 (Access to electricity) recorded a negative achievement for this goal. The implementation of the National Energy Policy (2022-2040) is a government initiative to increase the use of clean energy sources in the primary energy mix.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8) is to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. SDG8 encompasses 16 indicators at global level and 10 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Seven (7) indicators record positive achievements for this goal, namely SDG 8.1.1 (GDP per capita), SDG 8.2.1 (GDP per employees), SDG 8.5.1 (Average earnings), SDG 8.5.2 (Unemployment rate), SDG 8.9.1 (GDP from tourism), SDG 8.10.2 (Having an account in a financial institution) and SDG 8.b.1 (Strategies for youth employment). Conversely, three (3) indicators show negative performance, namely SDG 8.6.1 (Youth not in education, employment, or training), SDG 8.8.1 (Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries) and SDG 8.10.1 (Number of commercial bank branches). Economic growth aspects as emphasised in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) are the government’s action to enhance the achievement of SDG8.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) is to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainableindustrialisation and foster innovation. SDG9 encompasses 12 indicators at global level and six (6) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Five (5) indicators record positive achievements for SDG9, namely SDG 9.1.2 (Total passengers and freight), SDG 9.2.1 (Value added in manufacturing), SDG 9.2.2 (Energy use in manufacturing), SDG 9.b.1 (High and medium-tech industries) and SDG 9.c.1 (Mobile network coverage). On the other hand, SDG 9.3.1 (Small-scale industries) posted a negative performance. In response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the National Policy on Industry 4.0 or Industry4WRD was launched on 31st October 2018 to promote digital transformation in the manufacturing and related service sectors in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 aims to develop a sustainable transportation sector that drives economic growth and supports the well-being of the people in line with the country’s status as a developed nation.
Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG10) aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. SDG10 encompasses 14 indicators at global level and eight (8) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Five indicators record positive achievements in SDG10, namely SDG 10.1.1 (Expenditure or income of the lowest 40 percent of the population), SDG 10.2.1 (Population below 50 percent of median income), SDG 10.5.1 (Financial Stability Indicator), SDG 10.7.2 (Migration policy) and SDG 10.a.1 (Zero tariff product). Meanwhile, two (2) indicators show negative performance, which are SDG 10.4.1 (Compensation of employees) and SDG 10.c.1 (Remittance costs).
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. SDG11 encompasses 15 indicators at global level and 10 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Eight (8) indicators record positive achievements in SDG11, that are SDG 11.3.1 (Land consumption rate), SDG 11.5.1 (Disasters), SDG 11.6.1 (Waste managed), SDG 11.6.2 (Fine particulate matter levels), SDG 11.7.2 (Victims of sexual harassment), SDG 11.a.1 (National urban policy), SDG 11.b.1 (National disaster risk reduction strategy) and SDG 11.b.2 (Local disaster risk reduction strategy). Meanwhile, the indicator showing negative performance is SDG 11.7.1 (Public open space). The Second National Urbanisation Policy (DPN2) 2016-2025 is the government’s step to ensure sustainable urban development with a focus on balancing the physical, environmental, social and economic development of the country.
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12) aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. SDG12 encompasses 13 indicators global-level and six (6) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Three (3) indicators show positive performance, namely SDG 12.1.1 (Transition policy towards sustainable consumption and production), SDG 12.5.1 (National recycling rate) and SDG 12.7.1 (Policy implementation level). Meanwhile, one (1) indicator, SDG 12.4.2 (Hazardous waste), and two (2) indicators, SDG 12.4.1 (International environmental agreements) and SDG 12.b.1 (Implementation of standard accounting tools), each record negative performance and no change, respectively. Government policy contributing to the achievement of SDG12 is the National Solid Waste Management Policy 2016.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13) is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. SDG13 encompasses eight (8) indicators at global level and four (4) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Four (4) indicators under SDG13 record positive performance in 2022. These are SDG 13.1.1 (Disasters), SDG 13.1.2 (National disaster risk reduction strategy), SDG 13.1.3 (Local disaster risk reduction strategy) and SDG 13.2.1 (National climate change strategy). One of government policies supporting to the achievement of SDG13 is the National Climate Change Policy.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. SDG14 encompasses 10 indicators at global level and eight (8) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Four indicators achieve positive performance for SDG14, namely SDG 14.2.1 (Ecosystems of marine areas), SDG 14.3.1 (Marine water quality), SDG 14.b.1 (Small scale fisheries regulations) and SDG 14.c.1 (International Law of the Sea Convention). One of government policies that can contribute to the achievement of SDG14 is the National Fisheries Development Plan 2021-2030.
The target of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15) is to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss sustainably. SDG15 includes 14 indicators at global level and five (5) indicators are available at the national level in 2022. Three (3) indicators show positive performance for this goal, that are SDG 15.6.1 (Equitable and fair benefit-sharing policies), SDG 15.8.1 (Preventive or control laws for invasive alien species) and SDG 15.9.1 (Aichi Biodiversity Target 2). Meanwhile, two (2) indicators indicate negative performance, namely SDG 15.7.1 (Trade in live wild animals) and SDG 15.c.1 (Trade in live wild animals). One of policy that can contribute to the achievement of SDG 15 is the Malaysian Forestry Policy 2021.
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16) aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates worldwide. SDG16 includes 24 indicators at global level and 14 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. There are 10 indicators that show positive performance in SDG16. These are SDG 16.1.1 (Victims of homicide), SDG 16.1.3 (Victims of crime), SDG 16.2.1 (Child abuse), SDG 16.2.2 (Victims of human trafficking), SDG 16.3.1 (Victims of violence), SDG 16.3.2 (Unsentenced detainees), SDG 16.4.2 (Seized weapons), SDG 16.5.1 (Corruption), SDG 16.7.1 (Positions in government institutions) and SDG 16.a.1 (National human rights institutions). The National Security Policy 2021-2025 is seen as capable of enhancing the achievement of SDG16.
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG17) aims to strengthen implementation methods and revitalise Global Cooperation for Sustainable Development. SDG17 includes 24 indicators at global level and 17 indicators are available at the national level in 2022. 15 indicators record positive performance in SDG17, namely SDG 17.1.1 (Government revenue), SDG 17.1.2 (Tax and federal spending revenue), SDG 17.3.1 (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme), SDG 17.6.1 (Broadband subscriptions), SDG 17.8.1 (Individuals using the Internet), SDG 17.9.1 (Financial and technical assistance), SDG 17.11.1 (Global export contribution), SDG 17.12.1 (Average tariffs), SDG 17.14.1 (Sustainable development policies), SDG 17.15.1 (Decision-making and planning tools framework), SDG 17.16.1 (Development effectiveness monitoring framework), SDG 17.18.1 (Statistical indicator capacity), SDG 17.18.2 (National statistical regulations), SDG 17.18.3 (National statistical plans) and SDG 17.19.2 (Population and housing census).
LIMITATIONS/ CONSTRAINTS
The performance of SDG indicators discussed in this article only analyses the perspective of growth or achievement in 2022 as compared to the previous years. National SDG targets need to be established at the target/indicator level to depict the SDG performance to be achieved by the year 2030. With the establishment of these targets, a comprehensive assessment can be conducted to measure the gap between current target values and the target values that have been set.
The availability of SDG indicators is crucial for measuring the country’s performance towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Therefore, the collaboration and commitment of all agencies/ministries are essential in collecting data to provide high quality indicators for measuring and monitoring the achievements of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) which is aligned with the SDG. increase in the availability of indicators to 79 per cent (195 indicators) in 2022 indicates that the country is moving in the right direction to measure more inclusive SDG achievements to ensure that no one is left behind.
The improvement in SDG performance in 2022 provides a preliminary overview of the country’s recovery after the global health crisis in 2020 and 2021. Setting SDG targets at the indicator level is also necessary to measure current achievements against the set targets. The government’s efforts to develop the SDG Roadmap Phase 2 demonstrate the nation’s commitment to ensuring more effective implementation towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
