Article Search By : Pn. Nurul Ezani Abdul Malek, Bahagian Audit Dalam, UPM

By : Michelle Anak Sofia, Mahasiswa Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Source : Berita Harian

 

Global warfare today can be described as a “silent killer” of the people’s economy. Conflicts in West Asia, for example, have a direct impact on global economic stability, including Malaysia. The most noticeable effect is the rising cost of daily necessities, which increasingly burdens the public.

This situation is deeply felt by low-income groups, especially those with large households. Those who are already poor are becoming further marginalized and face the risk of falling into extreme poverty.

This crisis not only increases the cost of living but also widens income inequality and affects the overall quality of life of society.

More worrying is that many are forced to use their emergency savings to cover daily expenses. Retirement funds and future savings are depleting, causing them to lose their financial “safety net” in times of emergency. This situation makes people’s lives more fragile and unstable.

The pressure of the cost of living also affects mental health. Prolonged financial strain triggers anxiety and stress among heads of households. This emotional pressure can disrupt family harmony and reduce overall well-being.

In the housing sector, rising prices of construction materials such as steel and cement due to global supply chain disruptions also have an impact. Developers and landlords are forced to increase selling prices and rental rates. As a result, a large portion of people’s income is now allocated solely to housing.

 

Increased Risk of Homelessness

This situation raises the risk of homelessness as some can no longer afford to rent or own homes. This housing crisis places the lower-income group in a very vulnerable position, with some forced to live in hardship just to survive.

In addition, the cost of education is also increasing. Prices of learning materials, transportation, and students’ daily needs are rising in line with global inflation. Parents, especially those in the B40 group, are forced to cut other expenses to ensure their children continue schooling.

This financial pressure can affect students’ concentration and impact the development of the nation’s human capital. If not addressed promptly, it has the potential to affect the future of the next generation.

In facing this situation, people’s lifestyles are also changing. They are now more cautious in spending, prioritizing only basic needs. Many are also forced to seek side jobs to supplement insufficient income.

In addition, dietary patterns are changing as people choose cheaper food, even if it is less nutritionally balanced. This change reflects the public’s effort to adapt to increasingly challenging economic pressures.

Overall, the cost-of-living crisis caused by global warfare has a significant impact on people’s lives. Therefore, the government needs to be more sensitive to the hardships faced by the public.

Effective intervention measures and continuous support are crucial to ensure the well-being of the people is safeguarded in facing global economic uncertainties.

Date of Input: 30/04/2026 | Updated: 30/04/2026 | muhammad.isam