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Main Messages Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) 2025
Malaysia’s 2025 Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with estimated 43% of the targets are on track by 2030—a performance that exceeds the global average of 17%. This reflects the country’s enduring dedication to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development, even in the face of evolving global and domestic challenges.
Malaysia’s alignment of its national development agenda with the SDGs has been deliberate and strategic. Since the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (2016–2020), and further under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), the SDGs have been systematically integrated into national planning. Through the establishment of institutional frameworks, comprehensive SDG roadmaps, and governance mechanisms, Malaysia has laid a strong foundation for effective implementation, monitoring and accountability.
Under the ‘People’ pillar, Malaysia has demonstrated measurable progress in improving the quality of life. The absolute poverty rate declined from 8.4% (estimated) in 2020 to 6.2% in 2022, driven by inclusive and targeted policy interventions. Maternal mortality saw a substantial drop from 68.2 per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 25.7 in 2023, signalling ongoing enhancements in healthcare services. Notably, gender parity in education has been largely achieved, with equal access to primary and secondary education, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to universal education. Despite these successes, the Government remains vigilant in addressing regional and social disparities.
In the realm of ‘Prosperity’, the national economy continues to show resilience as GDP growth accelerated from 3.1% in 2021 to 5.1% in 2024, supported by a forward-looking development strategy that emphasises digitalisation, high-value industries, and green technology. The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.1%, the lowest in a decade, underscoring the success of employment-generating policies and labour market reforms. Concurrently, bold fiscal reforms including subsidy rationalisation have been introduced to reinforce economic resilience and long-term sustainability.
Under the ‘Planet’ pillar, Malaysia reaffirms its strong environmental commitments. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and is on a credible pathway toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Decarbonisation efforts particularly in the industrial sector are accelerating, supported by enabling policies and incentives. Moreover, Malaysia has achieved significant milestones in biodiversity protection and pollution control including measurable improvements in river water quality. Forest cover remains high at 54.5% of the total land area, well above the global pledge of 50%—a result further bolstered by the national tree-planting campaign, which met its target of planting 100 million trees ahead of schedule.
On the ‘Peace and Partnerships’ front, governance reforms have translated into concrete improvements. Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranking improved from 62 nd in 2021 to 57 th in 2024, while its standing in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report advanced from Tier 3 to Tier 2 over the same period, reflecting serious efforts in institutional reform and justice. As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2022–2024), Malaysia has taken proactive positions on global human rights issues and continues to play a constructive role in multilateral dialogues. Looking ahead, as Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia will prioritise regional sustainability, inclusivity and resilience.
Malaysia’s dedication to achieving the SDGs remains firm. Through greater policy coherence, stakeholder engagement and a whole-of-nation approach, the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, especially as it accelerates efforts towards more equitable access to healthcare, closing gender gaps, promoting inclusive subnational growth, enhancing marine sustainability, and fostering stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships. With strong institutional foundations, progressive policies, and an inclusive ethos, Malaysia stands poised to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.
