社会援助导航：马来西亚吉隆坡公共住房居民的见解和经验

Insights and Experiencesof Public Housing Residentsin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia YA SHIN WANSARAH ALI Social Assistance and Inclusion in Malaysia Series (Part 2) © 2026 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved This work is a product of The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusionsexpressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors ofThe World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the dataincluded in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, ordiscrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to usethe information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors,denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not implyany judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territoryor the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored byothers does not mean the World Bank endorses the views expressed by those authors orthe content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon orwaiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specificallyreserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encouragesdissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, fornoncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: Wan, Ya Shin, and Ali, Sarah (2026) “NavigatingSocial Assistance: Insights and Experiences of Public Housing Residents in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia”, World Bank, Washington, DC and Think City, Kuala Lumpur. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed toWorld Bank Publications, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433,USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover illustration: © macrovector_official/FreepikCover design and layout: Good News Resources Sdn Bhd/www.gnrsb.comEditor: Gregory Kong Sze Wern Introduction individuals during times of need.The narrativeabove illustrates a case in which the inability toaccess SA during periods of need, and in the faceof shocks such as COVID-19, has led to negativecoping mechanisms, such as reducing food intake.This example highlights the critical importance ofsocial protection systems that function effectivelyas a safety nets for low-income individuals andhouseholds, especially when experiencing shocks. Muthu1 is a 68-year-old Malaysian Indian whoresides in a public housing unit in Kuala Lumpur.He lives with his wife and their two adult children,both of whom are working. Despite his children’semployment,the household income remainswithin the bottom 40% (B40) range, and bothMuthuand his wife suffer from health issues.Muthurecalls receiving BR1M(Bantuan Rakyat1Malaysia)assistance many years ago,but heno longer benefits from the program becausehe was unable to update his personal details asrequired. He explains that he can only read andwrite in Tamil, making it impossible for him to fillout the required forms. Having completed onlyup to Primary Six at a Tamil primary school, helacks literacy skills in both Bahasa Melayu (BM)andEnglish.Muthu is also unable to accesssocialassistance from community or religiousorganisations. He has tried to find odd jobs tosupplementthe family’s income,but potentialemployersbelieve he is unable to work duetohis age,leaving him without employmentopportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic broughtfurther hardship. During this period, Muthu wasforced to reduce his food intake to just one mealaday.Occasionally,neighborhood food stallswould offer him some food. While Muthu wouldwelcome any form of social assistance to helpmeethis basic needs,he has grown resignedtohis circumstances.His limited literacy skillsand past experiences of rejection have left himdiscouraged from seeking further assistance. Malaysiais committed to the MADANI visionof“Social Protection for All”and offers acomprehensiverange of SA programs.TheMADANI framework aims to elevate the social safetynetto a minimum acceptable level,strengthenthe Employment Insurance System and invalidityprogram, expand the coverage of the EmployeesProvident Fund and Social Security Organization(PERKESO),and enhance the workforce’s abilityto generate income. Achieving a system of socialprotection for all requires time and a focus onprioritizing those most in need. However,the overwhelming number of SAprograms in Malaysia has led to fragmentationand difficulty in navigating the system for thosein need.There are 189 SA programs managed by22 ministries and agencies.2 With such a broadrange of programs available, each with dif