GEORGE TOWN: The government’s welfare initiatives such as MyKasih and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) have provided some relief to those in financial distress, especially the B40 group.

However, voices on the ground are calling for a more sustainable approach to lifting people out of poverty amid rising living costs.

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Businessman Ahmad Munzrie Ahmad Kabir, 35, from Teluk Intan said that while these aid programmes are welcome, they fall short of addressing the economic pressures faced by many.

“The government needs to do more to resolve the root issues of poverty and provide better living standards to those who are often left out or overlooked.”

Ahmad added that beyond short-term financial relief, long-term strategies must be in place to tackle persistent issues such as underemployment, low wages and food inflation.

“Political stability is also an important factor in ensuring the government can stay focused on helping the people and strengthening the country’s economy.”

Retirees are also feeling increasingly vulnerable.

A ground level view: (From left) Ahmad, Doraisamy, Harmeet and Dr Khoo share the challenges they face.

While receiving a monthly pension of RM1,100, retired school clerk P. Doraisamy, 75, from Penang, said inflation is eating away at his limited funds.

“Costs for meals and daily essentials have gone up by 20% to 30% over the past five years.”

He said instead of just handing out money periodically, the government should focus on bringing down the cost of goods, especially raw ingredients.

“They should also look into creating more employment opportunities, especially for the younger generation and improving the quality of life through better public services, affordable housing and healthcare,” he said.

Harmeet Singh, who works in Kuala Lumpur, hopes the government would introduce meaningful measures to ease the rising cost of living.

The 26-year-old general manager of a startup company said essentials like food, fuel and rent have become increasingly expensive, and many of them are finding it harder to stay afloat.

“I would also like to see more support for small businesses and startups.

“Many young Malaysians are trying to build something of their own, but the current environment, from high overheads to limited access to funding, makes it very challenging.”

Harmeet said it would be helpful if the government provided more targeted assistance, especially for lower-income groups and fresh graduates who are just starting their careers.

“Ultimately, what we are asking for is a fair chance to build a stable life, afford a home and have some financial security without constantly worrying about the next crisis,” he said.

Consultant paediatrician and paediatric neurologist Dr Alex Khoo Peng Chuan, 53, from Ipoh, said that working in healthcare has made him acutely aware of the heavy burdens his patients carry.

He said one of the greatest challenges he faces as a paediatrician is balancing maximum resources while ensuring that every decision prioritises patient well-being, with affordability being the most important consideration.

“If there is any way to ease the public’s burden, especially by reducing the high cost of living – from basic necessities like food, housing and transport, to affordable healthcare, alongside measures to curb inflation, taxes and price hikes, it would make a meaningful difference,” he said.

Ramesh Muthu said the government should pay closer attention to the challenges faced by citizens in their mid to late 50s, a demographic often overlooked.

The sales manager said this age group continues to bear significant financial responsibilities, especially in supporting their children’s tertiary education, while dealing with an uncertain economic future.

The 56-year-old from Seremban stressed the need for a more structured system of tax relief for parents with children in higher education, particularly when they are unable to secure placements in public universities.

Logistics operations executive Termit Singh, 32, said a one-off cash assistance is not enough for the people to cope with the rising cost of living, especially for those staying in Johor Baru.

“Due to our proximity with Singapore, our cost of living is much higher compared to other parts of the country, in terms of food, rent and groceries.

“Since we are also facing a brain drain of those searching for jobs across the border, I hope there will be better education plans such as scholarships and incentives to retain talent in Malaysia to help our economy.”