Malaysia consists of two main territories: Peninsular Malaysia (mainland) and Malaysian Borneo (island), separated by the South China Sea. As of 2021, its population is over 32.57 million [1]. Malaysia is recognized as a newly industrialized market economy, that underwent a transformation from a mining and agricultural-based economy toward a multi-sector economy in the 1970s. Currently, Malaysia is an oil and gas exporter and 40% of the government revenues come directly from this sector.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia in 2021, Malaysia’s GDP reached USD 327.77 billion, placing the country as the fifth largest economy in ASEAN after Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. Moreover, in terms of GDP per capita, with USD 11,399.7, Malaysia ranks 3rd among Southeast Asian countries, after Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city which is located on the mainland.
[1] ASEAN Secretariat. ASEAN Statistical 2022
Malaysia’s population is the 6th largest in ASEAN, representing 4.9% of the total ASEAN population. The population has been gradually increasing from 32 million in 2017 to 32.57 million in 2021. Annual population growth also shows a similar trend, with growth rates ranging from 1% to 2.5%. Furthermore, Malaysia is the 3rd richest country in ASEAN with a per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 1,1399.7 USD in 2021.
[1] Population Growth (annual %) – Brunei Darussalam, The World Bank (2021)
[2] GDP per Capita (in USD) – Brunei Darussalam, The World Bank (2021)
NDC Target
Source : UNFCCC NDC Registry – Malaysia
Malaysia intends to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 relative to the emissions intensity of GDP in 2005. This consist of 35% on an unconditional basis and a further 10% is condition upon receipt of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building from developed countries.
NDC Target
Reduce GHG Emissions per GDP (by 2030)
35%
Compared to
Business-as-usual (BAU)