Deficiency in civil registration and vital statistics reporting in remote areas: the case of Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract Malaysia has a well-established civil registration system dating back to the 1960s. Birth is virtually complete at national level. However, quality of in some remote areas doubtful, as evidenced by abnormally low birth and death rates several districts. This study focuses on identifying districts Sabah, where reporting births seems problematic. Sabah least developed state Malaysia, it sparsely populated, despite being second most populous country. Sabah’s lags behind other states, extent that statistics were not reported for vital report period 2000 2009. A 2016 found almost 100%, except (88%). The plausible reasons ultra-low rate include misreporting place occurrence usual residence, delayed reporting, non-coverage, ignorance law, inaccessibility, presence large number migrants, miscommunication, errors data entry. under-reporting may have serious consequences, such misallocation resources deprivation services those affected. In line with transformative promise “leaving no one behind,” Sustainable Development Goals urge all countries strive improve planning; this includes creating effective development programs reach target groups more effectively.