PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has set up a Sustainable Development Goals Trust Fund to facilitate the country's sustainable development agenda.

       The trust fund is a multi-donor mechanism to enable different parties – the government, the private sector, corporate bodies, entities within and outside Malaysia as well as individuals – to collaborate in achieving the sustainable development goals.

       The fund, together with the Malaysia Sustainable Development Goal (MySDG) Foundation which will administer it, was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Thursday (Jan 27).

       In his speech, the Prime Minister said the trust fund would help efforts to eradicate poverty, fight inequality and establish peace.

       "It is also aimed at tackling environmental issues and ensure that no one is left behind from enjoying development," he said.

       Ismail Sabri added that the government is committed in ensuring socio-economic balance including reducing the income and wealth gap.

       "Fair growth at every value chain, class, community and geography will create harmony, stability and stronger unity among the Malaysian Family by 2030," he said.

       Based on what had been outlined under sustainable development goals, he said Malaysia will become a nation that is strong, resilient, peaceful and inclusive.

       The Prime Minister also announced that contributions to the trust fund will receive tax exemption up to 10% of the contributor's total annual revenue.