KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the government’s relief efforts, many low-income families in urban areas in Malaysia were already on the verge of breaking point as the country entered the movement control order (MCO) 2.0.
In its latest Families on the Edge survey conducted by two United Nations’ (UN) agencies, it was found that unemployment among heads of households doubled to 15% compared with three months earlier, and that one in three adults in participating households remain unemployed.
The study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – which took place in December last year – said the situation for households led by women and the disabled were even worse-off.
Female-headed households income levels fell by 24% – and for homes headed by persons with disabilities (PWD), it went down by 36% when compared to the end of 2019.
“The latest data from Families on the Edge suggests that while some families have started to recover, others have continued to deteriorate and, at the outset of MCO 2.0, were close to breaking point,” it said in a statement here today.
“We need to reimagine social protection for the most vulnerable in Malaysia, including through an expansion of coverage of income support for low-income families, provision of targeted livelihoods support, particularly for the self-employed.”
Unicef representative in Malaysia Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said, “We have extended our support to the government, and look forward to working together to strengthen policies and programmes for families in need.”
The study noted that the continued reduction in income experienced by a large proportion of study participants resulted in persistent poverty among this group.
The poverty rate among those in the study sample stood at 42% in December, with higher rates among female-headed households (61%).
Moreover, many households whose earnings are somewhat above the official poverty line are experiencing difficulties in meeting their basic needs.
UNFPA representative in Malaysia Najib Assifi noted that the social dynamic of the families living on the edge are changing as they try to cope with a worsening economic situation.
“With increased pessimism further exacerbating mental health issues, it begins to shape unhealthy living environments; psychologically and sometimes physically.
“None are more affected than children, those with chronic illnesses, the disabled and of course those who care for them,” he said.
The December report is the third out of a four-part study aiming to generate insights on the impact of the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on low-income families, with a view to stimulate public and policy debate as Malaysia aims to mitigate the impact of the crisis and “build-back-better”. – The Vibes, February 8, 2021
