Malaysia’s fight against poverty has achieved results that many countries struggle to match, said World Bank lead economist Dr Apurva Sanghi.
He noted that this progress often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
From half in poverty to only 6%
According to an X post by Dr Sanghi, about one in two Malaysians lived in poverty within the first decade after Merdeka.
Today, that number has dropped to six out of every 100 citizens — meaning 14 million people have moved above the poverty line,” he wrote in an X post.
He explained that the country’s export profile changed over the years, where raw commodities made up almost all exports in the 1960s.
Now, only 30% fall under that category, with the rest consisting of more complex and skill-driven products.
Malaysia’s growth compared with peers
Countries such as the Philippines and Zambia started at a similar point, he said.
However, Malaysia’s GDP per capita today is over three times higher than the Philippines and nine times higher than Zambia.
This shows how diversification helped Malaysia avoid the “resource curse.”
Rising role in halal industries
Dr Sanghi also highlighted Malaysia’s growing position in the halal sector.
Beyond food, local certification is now recognised globally in different fields.
Not just in food but in cosmetics, logistics, tourism, pharma… Malaysian certification & standards now set a global benchmark. Another success that every M’sian should be proud of!”
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