Financial fragility of urban households in Malaysia

Abdullah Yusof, Selamah and Abd. Rokis, Rohaiza and Wan Jusoh, Wan Jamaliah (2015) Financial fragility of urban households in Malaysia. Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, 49 (1). pp. 15-24. ISSN 0126-1962

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Abstract

Household debt in Malaysia has been on an upward trend and increasing at a relatively fast pace. This study provides an in-depth micro analysis of the current Malaysian urban households’ vulnerabilities by examining the extent of their ability in dealing with financial shocks and factors that attribute to their financial fragility. Using a recent strictly random sample, it is found that Malaysian urban households are financially vulnerable. Only 10 percent of the households are resilient to shocks related to unemployment, physical disability, divorce, death, or changes in interest rate or stock market. More than a fifth of the households are not able to survive for at least three months if their income is cut off. Additionally, more than a fifth of these households do not have enough savings or any other source to turn to if there is a need to raise RM10,000 within a short period. Household income significantly affects a household current financial situation, while those with better financial knowledge and higher levels of education are less likely to be in asset poverty. The inability to cope with financial shocks differs across ethnic groups partly due to the wealth disparity and access to sources of funds. Initiatives must be undertaken to assist the households in facing these challenges and for them to exercise financial prudence. Additionally, household debt must be closely monitored to ensure that it is sustainable.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	301/48310
Uncontrolled Keywords:	household debt; financial shock; ethnic; vulnerability; Malaysia
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB848 Demography. Population. Vital events
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Dr Wan Jamaliah Wan Jusoh
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2016 08:52
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2017 09:34
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/48310

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