The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business

Korea Distribution Science Association (한국유통과학회)
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The Effects of COVID-19 on Unemployment in Realising Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from Malaysia

  • JASNI, Nur Syuhada (Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor) ;
  • KAMARUDIN, Siti Nurhazwani (Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor) ;
  • ABDULLAH, Azmira (Pejabat Operasi Langkawi, Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia)
  • Received : 2022.10.10
  • Accepted : 2023.01.15
  • Published : 2023.01.30
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Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic poses disastrous effects on human lives and hinders global efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The study examined the effects of the pandemic on unemployment toward realizing the SDGs. The downsizing and collapse of businesses have forcibly left many unfortunate Malaysians jobless and without income. The situation may directly influence government efforts to achieve SDG 8 'Decent work and economic growth', which indirectly affects SDG 1 'No poverty', SDG 2 'Zero hunger', and SDG 3 'Good health and well-being'. Pre-and post-pandemic assessments on unemployment and retrenchment level by sector were performed by adopting observation and data comparison methods. Critical findings revealed that the unemployment rate has risen among males and females and the youth, as well as the number of retrenchments. The services sector, specifically the wholesale, retail, trade, and hotel industry showed the highest number of retrenchments. Some important unemployment issues were also covered in this study, including the demand for employment, the role of government and business, and the effect of the gig economy on the current employment landscape. The avenue for future studies can focus on additional societal effects that could prevent the country from attaining the SDGs by 2030.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Our appreciation goes to the Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia for funding and facilitating this research project.

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