THE government’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme has been a big help for single mother Fadila M. to shop for her family’s essential needs.

However, the mother of three wishes that more fresh food items can be included.

“It would really help as food prices have gone up. It’s getting challenging to prepare nutritious meals that will support my children’s growth and health,” says the factory worker from Kulim, Kedah.

Others in similar situations echo her concerns and are calling for practical, targeted government support.

For another single mother who wants to be known only as “Tan”, special discount cards issued by the government for single mothers, for example, would be beneficial for the group.

“Discount cards will be a good choice” to alleviate single mothers’ burden, she says.

“However, while it is practical, I do not think its use will be applicable in shops” due to increasing prices. There may be a limited choice of shop for the card’s use.”

The freelance tutor who resides in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, says such a facility would be a boon for single mothers who spend a hefty sum on groceries.

“I spend about RM2,000 a month on food for my two children. Chicken is the most expensive item for us.

“The same goes for perishables like vegetables, which are now expensive too. As of now, I can only work harder to save more money for them.”

The idea of government-issued grocery aid for single mothers is also supported by Nurfarahain Mat Saman, a 34-year-old parcel delivery service driver and mother of two.

Nurfarahain says the government could introduce grocery discount cards for low- to middle-income families, as well as food vouchers for infant formula, cereals, vegetables and protein items, based on poverty-line criteria.

“At the same time, they can offer targeted subsidies on baby or children’s products to help cover some of the costs of registered formula milk and children’s nutritional supplements.”

She is thankful that despite her busy schedule and the rising food prices, she has never had to compromise on nutritious meals for her children.

“I always prioritise their dietary needs and, if necessary, reallocate other budget items to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.”

On her monthly spending, Nurfarahain says she noticed prices climbing in early 2023; the RM100 that once filled her basket now barely covers two or three items.

“To manage these inflationary pressures, I’ve switched to store own-brand products, shopped at morning markets for seasonal fruit instead of imported varieties, and timed my bulk purchases to coincide with promotional periods.

“By making these substitutions and planning around sales, I keep my monthly spend on track while still covering all the essentials.”

Long-term solutions

Other than aid programmes, the government also needs to look at Malaysia’s low wage situation, says visiting expert at Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre, social security economist Dr Amjad Rabi.

“I think Malaysia’s minimum wage policy has probably been one of the most successful policies in reducing poverty in the country. However, it should it should be linked to inflation so that there will be automatic adjustments.

“And one of the best ways to do it is just to maintain it at two-thirds of the median wage.

“This would ensure wages keep pace with living costs, improve income stability, reduce reliance on unhealthy food options, and help alleviate food insecurity, benefiting both urban and rural populations,” Amjad told a Suhakam Right to Food forum recently.

Another is expanding and strengthening the country’s school feeding programme.

“Malaysia’s school feeding programmes are limited in coverage and quality. Expanding their access to all primary and secondary students, especially in low-income areas, would improve nutrition and economic security for vulnerable households.

“You want the children to have the cognitive ability when they go to school to sit and learn.

“So it’s important to think of this instrument,” he says, adding that international evidence shows that well-designed school feeding programmes lead to better education, employment outcomes and public health.

Unicef Malaysia nutrition specialist Joey Eng says it is important for the government to come up with a comprehensive policy that will prioritise healthy food, not only food security, such as one covering food and nutrition security.

“We need to ensure that healthy food is available, accessible and affordable for all.”

It is also important to enhance food access through targeted intervention, Eng, who was also a speaker at the forum, stresses.

“There is no one size fits all intervention. Community-based solutions like nutrition, education and behaviour change campaigns are also important.

“At the same time, we also need economic empowerment programmes to help women, caregivers and persons with disability gain enough financial stability to secure food,” she adds.

Ultimately, nutritious food is the foundation of a thriving and sustainable society, Eng says.

“How can a child focus in school with empty stomach?

“How can a mother work if she skip meals?

“How can a person with disability reach his or her full potential without proper nutrition?

“Healthy food is a basic right, not a privilege.”

With additional reporting by HARIATI AZIZAN.