Awareness and attitudes towards sustainable development amongst higher education students in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

The role of youth in sustainable development decision-making and the implementation of sustainability programmes are critical elements to the long-term success of Agenda 21 and national sustainable agendas. Thus, advancing the role of youth and actively involving them in national sustainable agendas in the context of environmental protection and the promotion of economic and social development are crucially needed. However, there is inadequate information available about Malaysian youth’s awareness and attitudes with regard to this matter. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness and attitudes towards sustainable development amongst Malaysian youth. As an exploratory study, a survey was conducted in 2015 and 295 respondents from selected public and private higher education students in the state of Penang. This study has shown that the awareness of respondents about the concept and issues of sustainable development were well developed however, differed over semantics and what sustainable development encompasses. The survey also revealed that respondents were highly concerned about sustainability and were willing to practice more sustainable lifestyles. This study hopes to contribute as background information that will reflect on national sustainable development strategies.