The Resistance of the Urban Poor in Selangor, Malaysia to Get Out of the Shackles of Poverty

Abstract

The income of households in Malaysia is classified into three groups namely the top 20 percent (T20), middle 40 percent (M40), and bottom 40 percent (B40). The B40 group refers to households earning less than RM 4,850 per month making it the lowest households class in Malaysia. This group is incapable to accommodate the cost of living especially in urban areas as their monthly income is insufficient to make ends meet. This research examines the challenges faced by the B40 group to elevate their income and standard of living to take them out of the poverty group. The methodology of this research employed face-to-face interviews. 20 respondents were chosen randomly from five selected areas in the state of Selangor. These five areas were Bandar Petaling, Petaling, Sungai Buloh, Damansara and Bukit Raja. Based on the content analysis conducted, various challenges have been found namely the problem of single mothers, the lack of skills and education, health problems, cost of living, and individual attitude. To overcome these challenges, a number of suggestions are proposed which are exposure to existing skills programmes, increasing the quality of healthcare, controlling the price of goods, and regular visits to living areas of the B40 group.

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“…In Malaysia, income classifications aid the government in adequately planning social security schemes and in the formulation of national development plans. Although the median household income has increased more than six-fold after the country’s GDP since 1970 [ 38 ], approximately 1.6 million urban residents were classified as B40, with the highest concentration in Selangor’s urban areas (16.6 %) [ 39 ]. The B40 group is constantly confronted with rising costs of living, particularly in urban areas, given that their monthly income is insufficient to meet basic needs, as the majority of the B40 population consists of low-skilled and casual workers who are vulnerable to job insecurity and financial hardship [ 40 ].…”

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“…This group is unable to support the high cost of living, particularly in cities, because they lack sufficient income to support their needs. As such, several concerns have been raised; including difficulties faced by single parents, a lack of capacities and expertise, and health issues [2]. Many of the urban poor face destitution as their income is not commensurable with the rising cost of living.…”

“…The range of characteristics of the urban poor include less income, limited access to essential public amenities and social services, adequate accommodation, and fewer employment opportunities. The state of Selangor has the highest concentration (16.6%) of B40s while the city of Putrajaya has the fewest (0.1%) [2]. Sadly, the number of urban poor continues to rise despite Malaysia's rapid urbanisation.…”

“…Sadly, the number of urban poor continues to rise despite Malaysia's rapid urbanisation. This fact is evidenced by an increase in the number of zakat (Islamic almsgiving) recipients [2]. Therefore, considering the numerous factors that increase the number of urban poor, the authorities need to prioritise finding a solution to eradicate these factors.…”

“…In Malaysia, the urban poor or B40 community is classified as persons living in the Klang Valley, the area surrounding the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, with monthly household incomes below RM 4850 (approximately USD 1145 or EUR 975) [2]. This community is presently struggling to survive due to limited income and the high cost of living in the city.…”