Child poverty is still an issue, even in our capital

A Unicef study finds that the relative poverty rate of children living in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, after adjustments for household size, is almost 100%. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

There are legions of quotes and articles on the importance of looking after children, from how their innocence represents the best of today to how they are the key to our tomorrow.

Despite that, many would be surprised to know that child poverty is not an isolated issue in the present.

There are many children who lack the necessary resources to meet basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education.

Child poverty in Malaysia poses significant challenges, affecting both the short-term and long-term health outcomes of children.

Detrimental impacts on their health include malnutrition, limited access to healthcare, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases.

In 2018, Unicef published a report titled Children Without: A Study of Urban Child Poverty and Deprivation in Low-Cost Flats in Kuala Lumpur.

This following paragraph from its summary is worth reprinting in its entirety:

‘While the national poverty rate is less than 1%, and almost eradicated in Kuala Lumpur, these indicators unfortunately mask the rich information content of empirical case studies based on the reality of the situation on the ground.

“While Kuala Lumpur has an income per capita equal to developed countries, the children residing in its low-cost flats are not doing well.

“The study finds that about 22% of children below the age of five are stunted, 15% are underweight and 23% are either overweight or obese.

“They have no conducive place to study and their surrounding environment is unsafe.

“While almost all children aged seven to 17 are in school, only one in two of those aged five and six are in preschool.

“Adjusted for household size, the relative poverty rate of these children is almost 100%.”

In the short term

Insufficient access to proper nutrition results in malnutrition and stunting of growth.

This in turn leads to impairment of cognitive development and spatial skills.

To dampen the hunger pangs of young ones, some parents from deprived socio- economic backgrounds may reach for what is most affordable.

These may include items such as watered-down sweetened evaporated milk and instant noodles (without meat or vegetables).

Some may be judgemental of these actions, but one does not know true hunger until one experiences it.

Fresh, nutritious food is rarely cheap, especially in the context of food insecurity and rising inflation.

Countries that have free meals at schools tend to do so knowing that such policies allow some children to receive at least one nutritious meal a day.

Besides food, a lack of access (both financial and geographical) often prevents families from seeking timely and adequate healthcare.

This leads to delayed medical treatment and increased vulnerability to illnesses.

Children living in poverty also face higher risks of infectious diseases due to poor living conditions.

These can take the form of crowded and cramped living spaces to inadequate sanitation facilities like toilets and showers.

Respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases and parasitic infections are more prevalent among these vulnerable children.

Beyond the physical, the mental health of children in poverty is at risk due to the stressors associated with their circumstances, ranging from financial instability to substandard living conditions.

Anxiety, depression and emotional distress are common outcomes of the persistent hardship experienced by these children.

In the long term

Child poverty in Malaysia also has long-term consequences for the health outcomes of affected children.

Poor living conditions, which include cramped and crowded spaces, can lead to increased risk of diseases and poor mental health in children. — Filepic

Inadequate nutrition and limited access to quality early childhood education contribute to cognitive and developmental delays, impacting their educational achievements, employment prospects and overall wellbeing throughout their lives.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular (heart) diseases, diabetes and mental health disorders, are more prevalent among individuals who experienced childhood poverty.

For example, a study published May 2022 in the journal Child Development tracked the health data of 342 Black Americans over a 20-year period.

The team, led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor of human development and family studies Dr Allen W. Barton, found that those who lived in poverty from the age of 11 to 18, and were pessimistic about their future, experienced accelerated ageing of their cells and insulin resistance (a surrogate marker for the development of diabetes).

Childhood poverty perpetuates health inequalities within Malaysian society, leading to persistent disparities in health outcomes.

These disparities often extend into adulthood, affecting the overall population health and impeding the country’s progress toward equitable and sustainable development.

What can be done?

The Health White Paper that was recently passed in Parliament recognises the fact that up to 80% of all healthcare outcomes are dependent on socioeconomic factors, with none more important than poverty.

One of the key concepts of the Madani philosophy espoused by the government is care and compassion by addressing inequality in society.

Addressing child poverty requires a multi-faceted approach aimed at improving short-term health outcomes, while addressing the underlying causes of poverty.

It is further complicated by the multiple agencies and ministries involved: the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Social Welfare Department, to name a few.

From a policy standpoint, a key priority should be strengthening and delineating social protection with targeted income support programmes.

These can take the form of targeted subsidies, cash transfers, food security initiatives, affordable housing and timely access to healthcare services.

Improving healthcare accessibility requires specific targeting of children in poverty, to ensure that they (and their parents) have access to comprehensive services.

Preventive and public health are especially important with immunisation programmes and early detection of disease.

Beyond the specifics, poverty alleviation would involve enhancing access to education (including meals, transportation assistance and appropriate educational materials) and improving the socioeconomic prospects of parents through efforts such as personalised re/upskilling initiatives and improvement of financial literacy.

It is only by working together across ministries and civil society in addressing systemic problems and inequalities will we be able to provide a dignified life for our children today, as they dream and work for a brighter tomorrow.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant respiratory specialist, CEO of the Social & Economic Research Initiative and a Special Advisor to the Health Minister. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.