COVID-19 affects all Malaysians, but perhaps some more than others. The poor and marginalised segments of society were hit particularly hard.

The problem was compounded by the chain effect on the economy – stalled projects, downsized manufacturing plants, closed-down restaurants and hotels and a sluggish SME sector saw up to 100,000 job losses by December last year, according to Human Resource Ministry estimates. Most of those laid off were from the B40 segment.

This figure does not take into account impaired income. Many of the B40 work as semi-casual workers and low-level independent contractors – such as taxi drivers, contract labourers, cleaning crew, outsourced factory workers and so on. Many of these workers have not been retrenched, but have seen salary cuts and lower allowances and overtime, impeding their overall capability to make ends meet.

Small-time hawkers, food caterers and event-based crew too, have their monthly incomes severely lower, especially with restrictions on movement

Similarly, those dependent on the gig economy too, have seen less take-up.

The assistance by the government is mostly in the form of wage subsidy assistance, tax breaks, EPF withdrawal allowances and assistance for those laid off, but a large portion of those affected such as the ones mentioned above, don’t quite fit here nor there.

To make matters worse, universal policies such as the loan moratorium assistance and extended work leave have expired and it is pretty much left in the hands of private enterprises such as banks and employers.

Gig economy dependents, for the most part, are not considered employees, and they are not covered by the usual social security nets like insurance and medical coverage.

Perhaps the worst-hit are the displaced urban poor, who were disconnected by their benefactor charity groups due to MCO restrictions. The benefactors themselves, many dependent on public donations, have been also affected by the sluggish economy.

The digital awakening of sorts that was forced by the pandemic, however, opens up new dimensions and avenues of business.

Perhaps, in trying to capitalise on these new trends – digital marketplaces, online conventions, e-offices and integrated communication, relevant ministries could also look at creating sustainable ways to alleviate B40 issues and increase their level of income via the same channels.

Social enterprise would be a great avenue to explore. A portion of the initiatives in Selangor, for instance, a portion of its e-bazaar Ramadan was reserved for single mothers. This concept could be extended to involve the differently abled, PPR occupants and so on.

With digital empowerment, physical and geographical boundaries are easily crossed. Apart from loans and entrepreneurial advocacy, real-time expert support on logistical and bureaucratic issues would go a long way. More often than not, even with brick-and-mortar social enterprise programmes, the fizzle is lost after a few cycles as they do not manage to reach a pivot point or attain scalability.

Similarly, philanthropy could be better coordinated via online channels. Instead of leaving corporations to seek their own corporate social responsibility programmes that fit their convenience, some direction could be given based on locality and need.

For instance, instead of five different organisations feeding the same street in Kuala Lumpur or three charity groups donating computers to the same orphanage, the government could further empower and fund organisations dedicated to lessen these wastages and connect organisations such as NGOHub and Volunteers Unite.

While the digital gig-economy is a great starting point and interim solution, its workers need better protection or would risk further burdening the public system at a later stage.

Eradicating poverty as part of pandemic mitigation and future prevention makes sense – the marginalised are often those with most contact and work and live in cramped environments. Vaccination and medical literacy may not be as high as a better-heeled crowd.

B40 along with the M40 form the largest consumer crowd, and are key to the macro-economy. Helping them stave off not only the virus but economic displacement, would help Malaysia survive and recover faster. – March 24, 2021.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.