In the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the median household income increased to RM6,338 in 2022 from RM5,873 in 2019¹. The average monthly disposable household income rose by 1.7%, reaching RM7,111 in 2022, and the B40 income threshold is now RM5,249, covering 3.16 million households. With a minimum wage of RM1,500 per month and an average household size of 3.9 people in 2022², many families, especially in urban areas, are considered impoverished as their income falls below this benchmark. DOSM's report also revealed a rise in poverty from 5.6% in 2019 to 6.2% in 2022³.
While Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli had suggested phasing out income classifications such as B40, M40, and T20 as it does not accurately reflect the situation on the ground, it is still important to recognise that the existing classifications have played a crucial role in highlighting disparities and guiding targeted interventions.
Many efforts have been done by the government to alleviate the circumstances of the underserved communities, including efforts to implement the “Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat” (IPR) through the Economy Ministry with RM750 million allocation in 2023⁴ to empower the poor to increase their earning potential. Nonetheless, progress to help these communities has been slow, especially given the current global economic situations arising from the pandemic and other world affairs.
When parents need to focus on providing food and shelter for the safety and security of their children, other areas would have got to give. In many cases, this translates to a reduction in emphasis on education, making way for essential needs like food, housing, and clothing. Education is a basic human right that works to raise men and women out of poverty, level inequalities and ensure sustainable development⁵.
Did you know Malaysia ranked low in reading literacy, mathematics, and sciences? In the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018, Malaysia scored 440 in mathematics, 415 in reading, and 438 in scientific literacy and ranked 48th according to data released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). According to The Star, children who cannot read at grade level are more likely to leave school because of reading competency issues⁶. Lack of desire to go to school, the influence of non-schooling siblings, and variables related to the atmosphere at home can also be why students drop out of school.
While it is not the fault of the parents, the reality is that circumstances often force them to make difficult choices, and the impact on certain aspects, such as education, becomes unavoidable. More can be done to help these communities elevate their social and economic standing.
Community initiatives like RISE Educator Award organised by Taylor’s College, for example, play a crucial role in enhancing the situation by aiding governments and NGOs in executing focused programmes, offering resources, and cultivating a cooperative atmosphere to tackle the diverse challenges encountered by these communities.
The award acknowledges outstanding educators nationwide who are enriching students' lives by facilitating and supporting their access to education. It contributes to the school community's efforts to deliver a high-quality and fair education across diverse communities. In aiding students in achieving an equitable education in various communities, the recipients of the award are granted RM10,000 to help them enhance their respective projects in schools.
Recently, Cikgu Kumaresan, honoured as the RISE Educator of The Year and specialising in special needs education, used the RM10,000 he received from the institution to improve his Projek School Enterprise Kedai Dobi OKU. Additionally, he initiated a Mock House Training Centre to empower special needs students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills essential for a smooth transition into the workforce, enabling them to thrive beyond graduation.
These community-focused programmes play a crucial role in aiding those in need by ensuring better and more equitable access to education. This way, schools can provide the necessary education and training for students to succeed in adulthood, becoming valuable citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.
Beyond that, engaging in volunteer work—especially for a student like myself—consistently offers fresh perspectives, allowing more privileged individuals to learn and understand the diverse challenges faced by those in less fortunate circumstances. The opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds enables us to learn about their cultures and beliefs—an invaluable supplement to our collective efforts to make a positive impact on other peoples’ lives. Furthermore, these experiences allow us to translate the knowledge acquired in educational institutions into practical actions, honing both soft and hard skills.
Throughout my college tenure, I actively participated in various community projects, gaining profound insights into the realities at this grassroots level. I firmly believe in the transformative power of community-building initiatives. One notable involvement was with Projek BacaBaca by Taylor’s University, where the focus was on enhancing reading and learning skills for underserved primary school students aged 6 to 9.
This experience broadened my understanding of Malaysia's diverse social landscape, highlighting the collective responsibility required to ensure children reach their age-appropriate reading levels.
Additionally, I volunteered at Kechara Soup Kitchen, contributing to the organisation and distribution of food donations to the community. This proved to be a fulfilling and distinctive experience, further reinforcing my commitment to community service.
Fostering a sense of community and active participation in initiatives aimed at societal betterment is not just a responsibility but a collective opportunity for every Malaysian. By joining forces, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that transcends boundaries and enriches the fabric of our society.
Huriyyatus Shofa (right) and her friends volunteering in Kechara Soup Kitchen. She is in her last semester studying Foundation in Arts at Taylor's College
Reference:
¹ DOSM: Average Household Income Increased To RM8,479 In 2022
² Average Household Size in Malaysia
³ Poverty in Malaysia 2022, Department of Statistics Malaysia, 28 July 2023
⁴ NEW GOVT, NEW BUDGET 2023 BASED ON 'REAL FACTS'
⁶ Tackling low reading proficiency among school-going children, 22 June 2023, The Star
This article is provided by Taylor’s College
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
