A study by the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at Universiti Malaya shows that low-income Malaysians must work significantly longer hours than workers in other countries to afford basic food items. The minimum wage remains low, and many households are compelled to make unhealthy food choices due to financial constraints. The study recommends policy reforms to improve food affordability and security.
A recent study conducted by the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at Universiti Malaya highlights the challenges faced by low-income Malaysians in affording basic food items. It emphasizes that minimum-wage workers in Malaysia require significantly longer working hours compared to their counterparts in other countries to purchase essential groceries, underscoring a grave issue related to food affordability.
The findings reveal stark contrasts in the hours needed to obtain basic staples. For instance, while a minimum-wage worker in the Netherlands requires only four minutes to buy one litre of milk, a Malaysian worker must toil for 58 minutes. This discrepancy persists for other food items, such as chicken and beef, where Malaysians need to work 130 and 271 minutes respectively for purchasing compared to much shorter durations in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Furthermore, the study indicates that urban Malaysians face food security challenges due to their dependence on market purchases rather than personal cultivation. This reliance positions income as the crucial factor determining their access to nutritious food, particularly for those residing in urban areas without the option for subsistence farming.
As finances tighten, many households resort to cheaper yet unhealthy food choices, such as instant noodles, which contribute to poor nutrition. With food inflation impacting purchasing power, Malaysia experienced a 6.8% increase in food prices in 2022, accentuating the pressures placed on low-income families.
To address these pressing issues, the study suggests several policy interventions aimed at improving food security. Recommendations include establishing a social protection framework, enhancing school feeding programs, and implementing automatic minimum wage adjustments tied to a low-wage index. These measures aim to bolster income support systems and ensure vulnerable households maintain access to nutritious food.
The findings from the Universiti Malaya study reveal the alarming reality faced by low-income Malaysian workers, who are compelled to work substantially longer hours to afford basic food items compared to their peers in other nations. As urban dwellers increasingly rely on market-based purchases, income becomes the pivotal factor in securing nutrition. To mitigate these challenges, proposed policy measures emphasize the need for stronger social support systems and adequate wage reforms, aimed at enhancing food security for all segments of the population.
Original Source: www.malaysianow.com
