Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is expected to achieve 49 per cent of the 169 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets by 2030 based on analysis of 2023 data, according to Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She stated that this projection surpasses the global average of 18 per cent that was reported in 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, two goals have shown the highest achievements: SDG 4 Quality Education with a 70 per cent success rate and SDG 12 Responsible Production and Consumption at 64 per cent. These achievements are attributed to comprehensive access to education, increased recycling rates, and improved management of hazardous waste.

Hanifah Hajar was responding to a query from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) in the Dewan Rakyat concerning the United Nations SDG targets. She emphasized Malaysia’s significant accomplishments and pointed out the goals that present major challenges by 2030. Eight other SDGs are performing above the national average, including SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

Conversely, seven goals are projected to fall short, such as SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 10 Reduced Inequality, and SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Hanifah Hajar identified key challenges in meeting these targets, including inter-agency coordination, incomplete data, developmental disparities between states, biodiversity issues, climate change impacts, and low public awareness.

She stressed the importance of collaboration among all sectors-lead ministries, state governments, the private sector, academia, non-governmental organizations, and civil society-to ensure the successful realization of Agenda 2030 in Malaysia.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the SDGs encompass 17 goals, 169 targets, and 244 indicators to gauge universal development achievements across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Malaysia, alongside 193 other countries, has committed to supporting and implementing Agenda 2030 and the SDGs under the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind’.