Who Are Malaysia’s New Poor? The COVID-19 Recession

With rising unemployment, about 5 to 8 per cent more Malaysians could below its new poverty line income, which stands at RM2,208, as a result of the pandemic and the global recession it has triggered. That's as many as 2.4 million more who could become the 'new poor'.

Some who have found themselves suddenly without a job or reduced income stream have found different ways to cope - from adjusting their perspectives, to relying on the charity of others, like Kechara Soup Kitchen in KL.

The Malaysian government also has been giving cash handouts to struggling low-income households, as part of four economic stimulus packages totalling some US$75 billion to support businesses and households. But for some like the NAK Hotel in Sandakan, Sabah - a state that relies heavily on tourism - it's not enough. The hotel,  which employed many staff from the B40 (bottom 40 per cent), has had to shut its doors.

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