[ad_1]
PETALING JAYA: Many low-income households in Malaysia remain worse off than before the Covid-19 pandemic and are in real danger of “rolling back,” according to a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
UNICEF said its second Families on the Edge report, conducted with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and in partnership with DM Analytics, found that many low-income households remain worse off than before the Covid-19 pandemic. .
The research, led by Dr. Muhammed Abdul Khalid (Photo), also found that low-income households are in a weak position to cope with further shocks and are at risk of backsliding.
The report noted that households headed by low-income families and families affected by disabilities are recovering at a slower rate and remain significantly more vulnerable to future shocks than other low-income households.
UNICEF also noted that children from low-income families are at risk of dropping out of school due to the combined financial and psychological impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report’s authors urged the government to ensure that low-income households are not left behind in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the 2021 Budget.
“As Malaysia continues to fight Covid-19, it is critical that we seize the opportunities created by Budget 2021 and Malaysia’s 12th Plan to rethink social protection in Malaysia, to ensure that no family or child is left behind,” said UNICEF Representative in Malaysia, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar.
UNICEF also found continuing evidence of resilience in many participating families, saying that despite difficult circumstances, these families have tried to reestablish their livelihoods and play their role in overcoming Covid-19.
At the same time, Unicef also noted that the report highlighted the toll the Covid-19 pandemic is taking on mental health and family relationships.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Representative in Malaysia Najib Assifi said there is an urgent need for social protection measures, especially for female-headed households.
“With such a program in place, it will provide vital interventions to protect communities, the informal sector, the elderly, the disabled and children,” Najib said.
Unicef said its report covered a six-month period, which included a socioeconomic study, well-being interviews, as well as photos and videos.
“Future reports are expected to monitor the degree to which these families are recovering and provide critical information for the general public and legislators as Malaysia aims to ‘build back better.”
Other findings in the second part of the Families on the Edge report:
> Although unemployment among these low-income families declined after the end of the conditional OLS, the median income remained 10% lower than before Covid-19.
> One out of every two families is in a situation of relative poverty and 37% have difficulties buying adequate food for their families.
> Some children from low-income families are at risk of dropping out of school as a result of the combined financial and psychological impacts of the Covid-19 crisis.
> Female-headed households were particularly disadvantaged at the beginning of the crisis, and now appear to recover more slowly and are at higher risk of recidivism than other households.
> – The high burden of care in female-headed households is manifested in terms of higher unemployment rates, as well as higher rates of dependence on insecure self-employment. As a result, these families appear to be struggling more than others to meet their basic needs.
> The report also highlights the toll the Covid-19 crisis is placing on mental health and family relationships in many low-income households, but among female-headed households in particular.
> The report confirms that the negative psychosocial impacts of the crisis have survived the OLS, with nearly one in five reporting feeling depressed, with higher rates among female-headed households.
> Continued financial insecurity was reported to be a key driver of poor mental health, with some evidence of increased tensions between spouses and caregivers of children in some households.
> Many respondents are pessimistic about the future: only 17% of female heads of households and 14% of female heads of households with disabilities expect their financial situation to improve in the next six months.
[ad_2]
