Challenges to Sustainable Development

    Sustainable Development can be challenged through social, economic, and environmental aspects. First of all, societal inequity in Malaysia due to racial issues can affect Sustainable Development. Racism has always been a problem in a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia. Malaysia consists of Malay, Chinese and Indian. Some Malaysians feel oppressed because of the concept "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay Supremacy. They mostly despise Malay because Malay is the majority and holds political power. One of the major racial issues that had been brought up is the race-based policies that are used by the political and business elites to enrich themselves at the expense of others (Nair, 2021). This is surely not line up with some Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

    Malaysia is currently facing economic instability due to the pandemic. High employment rates can be seen drastically impacting the economy because of Covid-19. What's more interesting is the female unemployment rate is higher than males even though they are more academically qualified based on the latest news in Malaysia. The unemployment of young Malaysian women is spread over various regions in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Terengganu, Sarawak, and Pahang in close succession (Menon, 2021). This is not aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and some other Sustainable Development Goals.

    As a person who lives in Selangor, I have been experiencing major water scarcity for the past years. This problem has not yet been solved by the authorities or even society. Sometimes, I need to be alert with the current updates by the Air Selangor. I remember that every time we will have a shortage of water, my mom will buy multiple bottles of mineral water and remind us to fill the containers, buckets, and bathtub with water before its been cut off. One time, my brother and I had to take water from the pool and also wait for the Syabas truck to come and supply us with water. Now, we already have a big container that is pre-filled with water in our bathroom and we are not surprised anymore with the water cuts as we are already used to them. This is not in sequence with the SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and some other Sustainable Development Goals as well.