Unraveling the nexus: Exploring Malaysia's research trends in advancing UN SDG 1

This study examines Malaysia's poverty rate with respect to SDG poverty reduction targets, the specific policies and programmes implemented to address poverty within the SDGs' framework, and the challenges and obstacles faced by Malaysia in achieving SDG poverty reduction targets. Despite Malaysia's significant achievements in reducing the aggregate poverty rate from 8.9% in 1995 to 1.7% in 2012, the country still faces poverty pockets in rural areas, specific states or regions, ethnic groups, and urban areas. These figures underscore the importance of targeted spatial planning and policy implementation to eradicate poverty effectively. Utilising a bibliometric analysis of the SCOPUS database, this study identifies key indicators of poverty in Malaysia based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, Malaysia's alignment with SDG Poverty Reduction Targets comprises its poverty eradication programme, which has successfully reduced the incidence of poverty from 49.3% in 1970 to 8.7% in 1995 and then to 0.4% in 2016. Despite this overall reduction in poverty, the reality of relative poverty and the poverty gap is increasing, indicating the need for a more comprehensive approach to address poverty and inequality. The Malaysian government has prioritised the provision of employment opportunities, household income, infrastructure, and facilities. However, challenges remain in identifying the infrastructure and facilities capable of providing maximum services for all levels of society, particularly in rural areas. The bibliometric analysis highlights the expanding sphere of SDG poverty reduction research in Malaysia, which reflects the country's intricate socio-economic landscape, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing academic output and impressive citation metrics indicate a strong scholarly interest in addressing poverty through various approaches. However, the emerging nature of this field warrants further exploration of the socio-legal and political factors that impact poverty alleviation. By focusing on the local context and incorporating grey literature into research, discussions can be enhanced, enriching the applicability of poverty reduction strategies and contributing to global sustainable development discourses.