Who are the most susceptible groups among M40 women affected by MCO?

Question

Accepted Answer

M40 Women Most Vulnerable to MCO Impacts Include Those with Large Households or Disabled Family Members

The Movement Control Order (MCO) has disproportionately affected certain segments of the M40 (middle 40% income) group of women in Selangor, particularly those with significant household responsibilities or members with disabilities. These women, who previously managed their families' needs without external assistance, now face substantial challenges due to income loss and business closures stemming from the MCO and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Institut Wanita Berdaya Selangor (IWB) survey highlighted that these specific circumstances place them among the most susceptible groups requiring targeted support.
Financial Strain on M40 Women with Larger or Disabled Family Members

The MCO has created new faces of poverty, with M40 women increasingly falling into this category. Specifically, working women within the M40 income bracket who are responsible for a high number of household members, including those with disabled family members, have experienced job losses or business closures. This situation exacerbates their financial vulnerability, making them a key focus for immediate assistance.
Impact on Employment and Income Sources for M40 Women

Within the M40 demographic surveyed, 7% of women were placed on unpaid leave, and 12% experienced a loss of their household's primary income source due to the MCO. These figures indicate a significant disruption to the financial stability of these households. The think tank noted that income loss was more prevalent among women with larger families, those with lower monthly household incomes, or those who relied on daily wages or were the sole breadwinners, underscoring the complex factors contributing to their vulnerability.
Savings and Financial Access Challenges

The survey revealed that most M40 women respondents reported savings that could last between one to three months. While this duration is more substantial than that of some B40 households, it still presents a precarious financial situation if the MCO were to be extended. Furthermore, access to formal financial services remains a challenge for many women, with a significant portion unable to access credit cards, personal loans, or asset-backed loans, increasing their reliance on informal and potentially riskier borrowing methods.
Training Needs and Digital Divide

A substantial portion of women surveyed expressed a desire for training to adapt to the economic shifts brought about by the MCO, with 41% seeking digital business opportunities. However, a critical barrier to accessing such training and participating in the digital economy is the lack of reliable internet access. Approximately 6.4% of M40 households surveyed reported not having a Wi-Fi connection at home, which could hinder their ability to upskill and engage in online business activities.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Who are the most susceptible groups among M40 women affected by MCO?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends