INDICATOR NAME: PREVALENCE OF UNDERNOURISHMENT (% OF THE

POPULATION)

Indicator Name: Prevalence of undernourishment (% of the population)

State
State Name code 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Malaysia MYS 3,6 3,5 3,2 3 2,8 3,2 3,4 3,8 3,5 3,4 3,2
Table 1

Malaysia MYS Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population)

SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS
4

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Graph 1

Prevalence of undernourishment1 is an indicator that showcases the percentage of the

populatation whose food consuption is not sufficiant to ensure a normal active and healthy
life. In Malaysia, as seen in table 1. and graph 1., only small part of the population was
undernourished, around 3,3%. From 2008 until 2012 the value of this indicator has decresed,
comming down from 3,6% to 2,8%. After that the value grew in the upcoming two years and
then started to decline again. The changes in this indicator's value over the years were not
very significant, since it was never greater than 0,3% in a year, which is about 9.000 people
from over 30 million people that live in Malaysia. Still, it would be preferable for this
indicator’s value to always be in decline, since having well-nourished children, women and

1
Prevalence of undernourishments is the percentage of the population whose habitual food consumption is
insufficient to provide the dietary energy levels that are required to maintain a normal active and healthy life.
Dana showing as 2.5 may signify a prevalence of undernourishment below 2.5%.
Source: WB (2021). Prevalence of undernourishment % of population. Link:
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS?view=chart retrieved 30.12.2021.
population in general plays an important factor in country’s success 2. Well-nourished
population also means less diseases.

2
Development Relevance: Good nutrition is the cornerstone for survival, health and development. Well-
nourished children perform better in school, grow into healthy adults and in turn give their children a better start
in life. Well-nourished women face fewer risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and their children set off on
firmer developmental paths, both physically and mentally (UNICEF childinfo.org).
Source: WB (2021). Prevalence of undernourishment % of population. Link:
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS?view=chart retrieved 30.12.2021.