KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): The government must be cognisant of the nutritional intake and access to education for children, especially those from low-income households, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is also known as Tok Pa.

He pointed out that these children are unable to get enough nutritional food as well as not having enough money to buy meals at schools.

He cited a final report of "Families on the edge" by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that was conducted in partnership with Malaysia-based public policy research outfit DM Analytics that described the socio-economic status and well-being of a group of 500 families with children in Kuala Lumpur's low-cost flats.

"The study uncovered a disturbing fact on nutrition where six in 10 respondents were unable to purchase enough nutritional food for their families and one in three respondents reported difficulties in providing enough money for their children to buy meals at schools.

"This is worrying since any deprivation of nutrition for our children will undermine their capacity to grow, develop and learn to their full potential. This deprivation is detrimental to child development and will have an impact on their future," said Mustapa during a virtual briefing at the launch of the final series of "Families on the edge".

According to the minister, parents also reported considerable barriers to effective home learning, where only 35% have access to an appropriate device while a majority rely on using smartphones to access online content provided by their schools.

"Nonetheless, six in 10 parents commended EduTV, and said that the government's TV education programme has been helpful to their children."

An aspect of the previous Movement Control Orders (MCOs) which has been far too long under the radar is the adverse impact it has had on mental health for these low-income families, said Mustapa.

He said one in four respondents reported being depressed due to the MCO, meanwhile, parents continue to worry about their children's education and whether they can earn enough to support their family.

"The government through the Ministry of Health has set up mental health and psychosocial support services to help alleviate this effect.

"However, as families continue to be burdened by economic and social deprivation due to MCO as an effect of the rising cases of Covid-19, we will need to strengthen the provision of these support services, ensuring that these services are made available to the target groups," he said.

The minister added that the recent spike in Covid-19 cases will have an impact on the socio-economic well-being of vulnerable households.

"The government, therefore, needs to continue monitoring the situation and come up with appropriate responses in the weeks ahead.

"While we continue to navigate the challenges stemming from Covid-19, we should not let our guard down in the effort to protect and promote the well-being of those who are most vulnerable. This study is vital in guiding us on how to do just that," Mustapa added.