Malaysian government urges more collaboration to meet SDG 2030 goals
Malaysia is to speed up the implementation of measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030), and according to Deputy Economy Minister Hanifah Hajar Taib.
In the opening address to SDG Summit 2024, she urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to achieve the ambition. She said: “In reality, no government can do this alone. It can only be made possible with a strong cooperation among all stakeholders, supported by all levels of society, including individually you and me.”
She also encouraged all parties “to stay focused on the pursuit of a future for the country and take steps to heal the planet”.
Taib said: “There is no alternative but to confront these challenges head on, and it is up to us to act today so that current and future generations can continue the sustainability agenda for years to come.”
She pointed out that the last SDG summit was organised in Malaysia in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. “Our narrative and journey in SDG were substantially impacted by the pandemic. We have come back with a strong economy sign now, and it is timely for us to check our current status today on the progress towards 2030,” she said.
The deputy minister also emphasised that Malaysia’s economic, social, and environmental related policies are not just reactions to global pressures but aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and also the Madani Economy framework. The Madani framework encourages innovation and inclusivity to strengthen Malaysia’s economy, particularly in technology and productivity.
She said Malaysia’s 12th Malaysia Plan and its mid-term review highlight the government’s proactive steps in tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges. “Our unwavering goal is to leave no one behind,” she said.
Taib stressed the need to drive sustainable economic growth that involves attracting foreign investments, empowering SMEs and tapping into emerging sectors such as the digital economy.
In parallel, she said, the government is addressing the cost of living by managing inflation, rationalising subsidies and improving the efficiency of public services.
Job creation is another important area, she added. “We are focusing on education, skills training, and supporting high-growth industries to generate meaningful, high-paying jobs that prepare our workforce for the future,” she said, adding that growth alone is insufficient.
“To achieve true sustainability, we must undergo transformative structural reforms. These reforms, which touch the heart of our economic framework, are aimed at increasing efficiency, boosting competitiveness, and promoting inclusivity.”
Agrobank signs MoU for RM300m MSME financing
Agrobank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with B2B eCommerce solution provider Borong for RM300 million (£54m) financing to be offered to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Digital Niaga Programme (DNP).
Agrobank president/CEO Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said that the government-owned bank will offer financing up to RM50,000 initially, with the potential to increase based on business performance.
“The financing criteria for this payment scheme is a minimum of six months of operation for businesses that have been trading and registered for at least six months. Additionally, they must be registered under the Borong platform,” he said at the MoU signing at the recent Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Exhibition 2024.
He said Agrobank and Borong aim to drive economic growth and create opportunities for 15,000 MSMEs in Malaysia, adding that the new initiative is a collaboration to develop a digital agriculture and agribusiness-based ecosystem.
Through Borong’s network, Agrobank can provide financing to MSMEs according to their individual needs for business development and expansion.
Ahmad Badli said besides offering financing assistance, Agrobank also provides training for entrepreneurs. “Access to this entrepreneurship training can help them strengthen their business strategies so that they can increase their competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market.
“Furthermore, innovative and resilient businesses will drive the country’s economic development, especially in marketing high-quality local products through digital platforms, particularly for the agricultural sector.”
