Based on a survey of 500 households in Kuala Lumpur’s Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats, unemployment has doubled between September and December 2020[1]. The survey
Malaysia is set to become a high-income nation by 2025, but the benefits are unlikely to reward all groups with equal measure. Here, we unpack the struggles faced by the urban poor and potential ways to alleviate its impacts.
Watching movies such as ‘KL Gangster’ and ‘Abang Long Fadil’ growing up allowed many of us to take a look at the luxuries that come hand in hand with unethical practises in the city. Sex, drugs, alcohol are common gangster activities that we all know are bad, yet these drastic lifestyle measures can quickly become the golden ticket to an easy life, for those suffering in urban poverty.
We have all heard of the narrative of a small town girl moving to the big city, in order to make her dreams come true. Just like anywhere else in the world, Malaysian cities are laced with new prospects and deemed as the land of opportunity, by those that have only been exposed to paddy fields, rubber tree plantations and quiet villages. Life in the big city is exciting, but it can also swallow you whole.
Oleh kerana harga perumahan terlalu mahal, kumpulan miskin di bandar terpaksa hidup dalam unit perumahan yang harga lebih berpatutan, tetapi mungkin mempunyai kesulitan dan risiko lain yang melibatkan kehidupan yang selamat dan sihat.
The first thing that comes to mind, is that most urban poor live in unsanitary places. While this is not untrue, it is important to note that this includes those living on the streets, in the slums, and public housing projects hosted by the government and private organisations. These conditions are not specific to just the homeless, but for any household living in poverty (B40 group).
As cities grow and improve, job opportunities increase, enticing people to flock to the city as they chase for a brighter future. But as urbanisation becomes more rampant, its problems also plague society. Those living in urban poverty are left at a financial standstill with no feasible escape.
Mental health has been a growing topic in recent years, but little is known of the extent of workplace bullying in Malaysia. Individuals that are bullied at work are at a greater risk of having poor mental health as a result of the psychological distress.
Saraswathy Periyasamy, 42 years old is a super hard worker who works day and night to ensure that her four children are fed and have a decent upbringing. She lives in one of the Project Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) low-cost flats in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Lockdown isn’t just about following the latest TikTok trends and staying home. With numbers of COVID cases reaching all-time highs, fears of catching the virus remain at large. However, whilst the public remains vulnerable to infection, the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups like the low-income communities are starting to come to light.