Being poor in this country is no fun.

Banks reject their loans and credit card applications. Society judges them for getting married and having children (“cannot afford, don’t la!”). They’re priced out of accommodation near public transportation and have to spend more on transportation (the irony!!).

Before we proceed, let me just preface this article with this statement: I’ve never been poor. While we had some tough moments, we never went hungry and we’ve always had shelter. I can’t even pretend to understand the systemic barriers faced by different poor communities all over Malaysia, especially those who face multiple discrimination.

But I can empathise. Partially due to my work background (I did social work before somehow ending up with this career), and partially because, I dunno, there is absolutely no excuse not to educate myself in this day and age.