Page 151 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Urban poverty framework for B40 in Malaysia

Despite various policy initiatives, Malaysia’s B40 in a recent United Nations Children’s Fund Malaysia report
population, comprising predominantly Bumiputera, (Abdullah, 2024).
continues to experience significant socioeconomic and Urban poverty in Malaysia is not solely rooted in
health disparities due to rapid urbanization and rising income deficiency but also limited access to essential
living costs (Zolkifly et al., 2023). This reality highlights services. Households face challenges such as inadequate
the need for a more integrated and targeted approach to housing, unstable employment, and restricted access to
support low-income urban households.
skills training or affordable healthcare. A study by the
This study proposes a responsive urban poverty Ministry of Housing and Local Government in 2021
framework grounded in empirical data and designed to reported that many B40 families live in overcrowded and
guide policymakers in developing holistic interventions. unsafe public housing units, especially in People’s Housing
The framework focuses on identifying specific Project (Projek Perumahan Rakyat [PPR]) areas, leading to
vulnerabilities and providing practical strategies to long-term negative impacts on health and overall quality of
improve the well-being of urban poor households. life (Razak, 2023).
Through this study, we focus on two main age-based Although various government initiatives such as
groups in urban society: the working age group (typically financial aid, low-cost housing schemes, and education
adults aged 20 – 59 years) and the post-working age group programs have been implemented, many B40 households
(typically those aged 60 and above, including individuals remain trapped in the cycle of poverty (Mohd Khan et al.,
who may require additional social and health support). 2018). These findings suggest that current interventions
Segmenting the population in this way enables more are not sufficiently integrated or sustainable.
effective and tailored interventions.
This study responds to that gap by proposing a
Previous research has focused primarily on responsive urban poverty framework that emphasizes a
microfinance, training, and community empowerment holistic, inclusive approach tailored to the complex needs
(Mayan & Nor, 2020; Samat et al., 2021). However, these of the B40 group. The framework advocates for improved
efforts have often lacked a broader, multidimensional access to income-generating opportunities, affordable
lens. This study aims to fill that gap by proposing a housing, quality education, and basic services, while also
framework that integrates social capital development, strengthening social participation and human capital
access to education and employment, and sustainable development (Mayan & Nor, 2020; Samat et al., 2021).
support mechanisms to enhance the resilience of B40
communities in urban Malaysia (Juhari & Zulyadi, Designed as both a short- and long-term solution, the
2021). framework aims to break the poverty cycle through skills
enhancement, entrepreneurial support, and improved
1.1. Background of study economic resilience. In doing so, it encourages B40

Urbanization in Malaysia has increased significantly, with households to become more self-sufficient and actively
over 75% of the population now residing in urban areas. engaged in urban development.
Among this population, the B40 group constitutes a large 1.2. Measurement of poverty
portion of those experiencing economic challenges (World
Bank, 2021). The high concentration of low-income As of February 2024, Malaysia’s PLI defines poor
households in cities such as Kuala Lumpur highlights households as those earning below RM 2,589 monthly,
the urgency of addressing urban poverty to maintain while the threshold for extreme poverty is set at RM 1,198.
national social and economic stability. Rising living costs, These thresholds vary by location due to differences in
particularly in housing, education, and healthcare, place living costs. National data indicate a total of 249,485 poor
additional financial strain on these communities. households in urban areas and 239,396 in rural areas
(Implementation Coordination Unit [Unit Penyelarasan
The Department of Statistics Malaysia reports that
the median monthly income of urban B40 households is Pelaksanaan], 2024), reflecting persistent socioeconomic
disparities.
approximately RM 3,000, which is slightly above the urban
poverty line income (PLI) of RM 2,208 (BERNAMA, In high-cost cities such as Kuala Lumpur, the urban
2020). However, many still rely on government assistance poor face greater financial strain, which underscores
to survive, indicating that income levels remain insufficient the need for targeted support that goes beyond financial
to meet basic urban needs. Despite signs of economic aid. Effective poverty reduction strategies should include
recovery, poverty persists among vulnerable groups such skills training, housing assistance, access to quality
as women, children, and persons with disabilities, as shown healthcare, and opportunities for stable employment.

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 145 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.6558