May 2020, East Asia 

As Malaysia faces the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the battle is on to defend the welfare and livelihoods of people in the bottom 40% of household income.  Three economic support packages have been announced. The latest two are called Prihatin (which translates to “care”), and these focus on supporting Malaysians who risk falling through the cracks. These include street vendors, micro-entrepreneurs, artists and other informal workers who have been gravely impacted by the crisis.

While these proactive measures will afford at-risk Malaysians some breathing space, it will be worthwhile to consider the country’s overall strategy for social protection during the ongoing Movement Control Order, the ensuing recovery phase, and in the long-term. Many expect this crisis to bring big changes to the world, calling it “the new normal.” Changes will abound. Life as we know it will change. The world of work is expected to change, but as yet in unknown ways.