Page 157 - IJPS-11-6

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

responsive urban poverty framework, which advocates Table 4. Changes in household income among the B40 in
integrated approaches to economic resilience. Specifically, urban areas (January – December 2023)
the framework emphasizes not just temporary relief but Status Frequency Percentage
also long-term empowerment through targeted policy
measures that address employment insecurity among Increased 17 5.1
both working age and post-working age groups in urban Remained the same 100 29.9
settings. Decreased 217 65.0
Building on the employment instability findings, the Total 334 100
following section introduces strategies to address these Source: Field study, 2023.
challenges comprehensively. To address these challenges,
this study recommends a holistic framework that prioritizes Table 5. Changes in monthly expenditure and contributing
skills training, economic opportunities, and social support factors among B40 households
to improve job security and economic stability for the Category Response Percentage
B40 community. Further refinements ensure logical flow Change in monthly Increased 79.0
and clarity across sections, aligning the discussion with expenditure Remained the same 18.3
academic and policy-focused objectives.
Decreased 2.7
Table 4 presents the changes in household income Main contributing factors Food prices 85.3
among B40 respondents in urban areas over the 1 year from Utility bills 76.1
January to December 2023. A significant 65.0% reported
a decline in income, while only 5.1% experienced an Transportation 62.4
increase. These figures underscore the persistent economic Education expenses 41.6
vulnerability of low-income urban households, further Healthcare 35.0
justifying the need for targeted interventions outlined in Source: Field study, 2023.
the proposed responsive urban poverty framework.
The following section examines the financial pressures The following section discusses how vulnerable groups
faced by B40 households in urban areas, particularly in respond to urban poverty and manage financial hardship.
PPR Kerinchi. Two key indicators were assessed: changes
in monthly household expenditure and the contributing 4. Discussion
factors to increased expenses. The findings provide 4.1. The Malaysian context as a framework for
valuable insights into how inflation and cost-of-living addressing urban poverty
increases impact low-income communities, reinforcing This study identifies the multidimensional challenges
the importance of strategic interventions within the faced by the B40 community in PPR Kerinchi, Kuala
responsive urban poverty framework. Lumpur, including income instability, rising living costs,
Table 5 shows that 79.0% of B40 respondents reported and limited access to secure employment. In response, the
an increase in monthly household expenditure, reflecting proposed responsive urban poverty framework categorizes
the broader impact of rising living costs in urban Malaysia. the population into two age-based groups: the working
Only 2.7% reported a decrease, highlighting the rare age group (20 – 59 years) and the post-working age group
occurrence of reduced household expenses among low- (60 years and above). The framework tailors interventions
income groups. The most contributing factor to increased such as skills training and employment support for the
spending was food prices (85.3%), followed by utility working age group while emphasizing healthcare and
bills (76.1%) and transportation costs (62.4%). These financial assistance for the older group.
findings suggest that inflation in basic necessities plays a The framework also considers broader socio-economic
central role in exacerbating the financial burden on B40 dynamics, particularly rural-urban migration. Migration
households. The inclusion of education and healthcare is often driven by diminishing rural employment
as notable factors further supports the need for multi- opportunities and the attraction of urban facilities such
sectoral support strategies aimed at improving access as public housing and education. However, this trend
and affordability for essential services. This underscores exacerbates urban poverty by increasing competition for
the urgency of implementing a responsive urban poverty low-skilled jobs and dependence on public assistance.
framework that can adapt to the changing economic The framework advocates for balanced development
landscape and strengthen household resilience. through rural investment in education, agriculture, and

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 151 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.6558