LOW-INCOME households in people’s housing project (PPR) flats are finding life under the Covid-19 movement-control order difficult, as their cramped living conditions begin to take a toll on their mental health.

Gasping for space in cramped flats, a few families in Penang told The Malaysian Insight they’re facing other problems, such as ensuring sufficient food for their children.

Maznah Razi, who lives in PPR Taman Manggis, Penang, has a household of 14 in her flat – 12 children besides herself and her husband.

Since the MCO began on March 18, the flat is crowded now, as schools and workplaces are closed, except those involved in essential services. 

“When school was open, hungry children could get food from the food programme (rancangan makanan tambahan or RMT). 

“But now that all of them are home, our food supply is running low because the children are always hungry,” said the 44-year-old.

Of her 12 children, the three eldest work but have to stay home under the MCO, straining the household finances even further.

Maznah’s 44-year-old husband works as a motorcycle mechanic, earning RM60 to RM70 daily. Motor repair shops are listed as an essential service that can continue operating under the order.

“With the movement-control order in effect, my husband does not work daily although there are times he is called in. So, our family income is affected because he is paid based on the times he is called in,” Maznah said.

“With our space at home so congested, it’s difficult to practise social distancing as asked to by the government.”

For Noor Ikzaurdi Mohamed, who lives with her five children, her mother and two younger brothers, the stress of living in their flat at Dewa Wawasan in Bukit Mertajam is adding to the financial concerns.

The standard size of most low-cost housing projects in Malaysia is 55 sq m.

“The house has become too crowded. I’m forced to sleep with my children in the living room as my two younger brothers sleep in the bedroom,” said the 44-year-old single mother, who divorced three years ago.

“I’m the only one who is working now. My mother and two brothers can’t work because of the movement-control order.

“I work in a 24-hour restaurant, earning RM5.60 an hour and working for eight to nine hours. 

“But because of the order, we are only allowed to work for five hours,” said Ikzaurdi, who also receives zakat aid of RM400 every month. 

Her job at a restaurant allows her to continue work under the MCO as eateries can operate although only for takeaways and deliveries.

Social distancing is among the instructions under the MCO, but Fatimah Pak Wan Chik, 70, who lives in the Taman Sri Petaling flats, said this is difficult in a household of eight.

Besides Fatimah, the household includes her husband, their son, a daughter-in-law and four children.

“My son can’t afford to buy or rent his own place as he doesn’t have permanent income. So, all of us have to cram together.

“During normal days, the grandchildren are at school and my son and daughter-in-law are at work. But with them around, space is constricted.

“The lack of space is distressing,” said the elderly lady.

The situation is also depleting their food supply quickly. 

“Normally my grandchildren eat at school and my son and daughter-in-law also eat outside at work. Now everyone eats at home and our food supply finishes fast. 

“And we can’t afford to keep large amounts of food.”

The government has assured people that food supply is sufficient throughout the MCO period as food manufacturers and agricultural production can continue.

People have also been warned against hoarding and panic buying, although in some places certain items are sold out faster than shops can restock them.

As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 1,306 infections and 10 deaths.

Penang, where these interviews with PPR flat residents were conducted, has 58 positive Covid-19 cases and one death. – March 23, 2020.