SINGLE mothers are finding it hard to provide for their children following the implementation of the movement-control order (MCO) on March 18.

Those who are self-employed or running small businesses said their income has drastically dwindled due to mandatory shutdowns aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic.

They have had to rely on government aid and handouts from volunteer groups and many in dire straits are suffering mental anguish.

Hafisah, a 44-year-old seamstress from Keramat, said she has not earned much at all since the MCO began, and is depending heavily on cash aid from Putrajaya and other assistance from civil society organisations.

“Since the MCO started, my income has been badly affected. I didn’t get orders like I usually would for Raya. The burden has been really heavy,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

In previous years, she would make about RM5,000 during the festive season but for months now, she has made less than RM1,000 in cash aid and from doing side jobs.

Hafisah said her digital illiteracy prevented her from taking her business online.

“I’ve been living on RM20 a day to feed my kids. I make sure to buy fish or chicken and vegetables so that my kids don’t go hungry.

“I’m thankful that civil groups have been kind enough to supply me with food items like oil and rice.

“Without their help in this period, I honestly think I would have a breakdown.”

Of her five children, the three who are of working age were laid off during the MCO, forcing the family to rely solely on assistance from the government and civil groups.

“Under this new ruling (recovery MCO), I’m still not getting any income from my tailoring job as people are very frugal now. I haven’t gotten any order,” said Hafisah.

Even though she falls under the asnaf category, making her eligible for zakat, she has not seen any payment despite ubmitting an application.

Deteriorating mental health

Aisyah, a mother of two, said prior to the MCO, she ran a non-profit kindergarten in Selayang for underprivileged children.

The centre, which relies entirely on donations, has been forced to halt operations as Aisyah is unable to pay rent.

She was also a full-time personal shopper, travelling to countries like China, Indonesia and Vietnam to buy goods for clients.

“I would travel every month to these countries to get fabrics, food, accessories and other items for customers. The suspension of international flights affected my main source of income.

“Then came the second challenge – I was ‘chased out’ of the kindergarten I owned due to a lack of funds.

“I was already depressed at that point. I even started hearing voices,” said the 34-year-old from Shah Alam, who does not get financial help from her former husband to raise their children.

Aisyah still shops for clients but now focuses on household items and food.

“I started getting orders for fish, corn, lai chi kang, keropok lekor, even pillows,” she said, adding that she often takes her children along on the delivery runs.

“My kids are both preschoolers and because of a lack of electronic devices at home, they sometimes miss their lessons as I have to rush with my orders.”

She has no choice but to take her younger child out of preschool as she cannot afford to pay for both children’s education.

“I hope the government can help us (single mothers) without us having to register for everything under the Welfare Department.

“People who register with the department are mostly unemployed or unable to work. Many single mothers are working and struggling and have never registered.

“Given the current circumstances, I hope the government will also focus on others who are struggling, not just people registered with the department.”

Prioritise single mums

Kuih seller Norbiyah Anwar, 40, said her business took a massive hit during the MCO as most shops were closed.

“My main income was affected. I usually make kuih and send them to shops but in that period, I couldn’t,” said the mother of two.

Even though restrictions have been eased, things have not improved much for her.

She said the government should consider giving single mothers a monthly allowance, adding that the group should be prioritised when it comes to the distribution of essential goods.

Most businesses are allowed to operate in the recovery phase of the MCO, which is in place until August 31. – June 23, 2020.