Families on the Edge, Penang
Mixed methods research on the impact of COVID-19 and the rising cost of living on children and women in low-income families in Penang.
Highlights
Vulnerable families, already facing socio-economic challenges, were profoundly affected by two significant shocks in recent times: the COVID-19 pandemic and
the subsequent surge in the cost of living. The shocks exacerbated existing socio-economic disparities and posed substantial challenges to the livelihoods and well-being of these families.
The Families on the Edge project was commissioned by UNICEF Malaysia and the Penang State Government and aims to evaluate how social welfare services have influenced the lives of those they serve, particularly women and children in low-income households in Penang. This assessment was conducted to provide informed policy recommendations. The project tracked the socio-economic status, welfare and overall well-being of beneficiary households.
Additionally, it compared their current conditions to pre-pandemic standards, shedding light on the changes in living standards throughout the pandemic and post-lockdown periods.
