The integration of three pillars of sustainable development in Malaysia’s rural development
Abstract
On September 25, 2015, Malaysia, along with 192 other world leaders, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Consequently, Malaysia's national development plan has consistently focused on the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental agendas, by integrating the national development plan, which includes rural area development action plans, initiatives, and outcomes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, goals, and indicators as effectively implementing the SDGs requires mobilizing resources such as labour, capacity building, physical spaces, and funding. In this context, this study will examine the integration of the three core components of the SDGs in Malaysia's rural development. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study, utilizing official records and data, along with findings from prior studies, to gather more detailed insights. This research analyses publicly available data regarding how Malaysia has integrated the SDGs into policy planning and implementation. Ultimately, the findings of this study highlight that the three primary characteristics of sustainable development are essential for the country's long-term success.