THE state government is committed to supporting low-income families and creating a more equitable society for all.
This was emphasised by state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim during the launch of the ‘Families on the Edge’ report at Penang Institute today.
“The Penang government places families as the cornerstone of our society, and safeguarding their welfare and well-being has always been a priority for the current administration.
“During the pandemic, the state government, along with the Federal government, provided financial assistance to families and businesses in need.
“One such initiative was the Pakej Bantuan Rakyat, which was designed to alleviate the economic burdens of vulnerable households,” Lim said during her speech at the event.
The report is a joint effort between the state government and UNICEF Malaysia, which commissioned the Penang Institute to produce it.
This report provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by low-income families in Penang, particularly women and children, following the Covid-19 pandemic and amid rising living costs.
Speaking about the report, Lim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, said it highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
“We need to go beyond short-term relief and create policies that support long-term stability for low-income families.
“By empowering these families with the tools and resources they need, we can break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger, more resilient community,” she added.
Apart from that, Lim said that the report acknowledges that the complex challenges faced by low-income families demand a multifaceted and collaborative approach.
“By only acknowledging these issues is not enough; we must turn our understanding into tangible actions.
“This requires a concerted effort from the Federal government, state government, state agencies, civil organisations, and other stakeholders.
“Only by working together can we create a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Lim said.
Dr Beh May Ting and Yeong Pey Jung, two senior researchers at Penang Institute, presented the ‘Families on the Edge’ report.
Key findings include that over 60% of low-income households in Penang reported having no savings from their monthly income.
Heads of households aged 40-54 faced a 53% higher chance of unemployment, which increased to 87% for those aged 55-64, compared to heads of households aged 15-39.
Another significant finding was that eggs replaced meat as the primary protein source, with a 47% decline in meat consumption in 2002, as compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The survey involved a total of 632 low-income households across all five districts in Penang during the first phase. It was supplemented by interviews and group discussions with low-income flat residents in PPR Sungai Pinang, PPR Taman Manggis, PPR Mak Mandin and PPR Desa Wawasan.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Datuk A. Rajendran, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung, Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng and UNICEF Malaysia’s Robert Gass.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter