The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIA’s climb up this year’s World Happiness Report ranking is because of higher income levels, a better social support system and greater freedom to make choices, said Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Malaysia ranked 42nd on a list of 155 countries polled in the United Nations report which lists which countries had the happiest citizens. 

Last year, Malaysia was the 47th happiest country in the world.

“Among Asean countries, Malaysia is ranked third, behind Singapore (26) and Thailand (32), and we performed better than other Asean members like the Philippines (72) and Indonesia (81),” Najib said in a written parliamentary reply dated November 6.

“This achievement is supported by the improvement in social support aspects, income level per capita and the freedom to make choices. 

“It also shows that the government remains committed to ensure that the wellbeing of the people is improved, in line with country’s physical development.”

Najib said Malaysia also ranked higher than developed countries like Italy (48), Japan (51), South Korea (56) and Hong Kong (71). 

He said the government would continue to focus on social development aspects in its efforts to ease the rising cost of living.

“This includes BR1M handouts to seven million low-income households, 334 Klinik 1Malaysia facilities, which provide services at a minimal charge of RM1, as well as 1,061 clinics nationwide, of which 242 clinics provide specialist services. 

“The effort to improve public transport will also continue to provide the people access to expand their activities, such as employment and leisure,” he said. 

Norwegians were ranked the world’s happiest people, according to the report, while the Central African Republic came in last on the list. – November 14, 2017.