Social Capital, Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Low-Income Group

Quality of life is a topic of discussion among contemporary social researchers because it can adversely affect individuals' lives and, consequently, their mental health. This issue is closely linked to economic factors and income levels. Data from the Department of Statistics (2015) identified 2.7 million households in the B40 group, with 63 percent residing in urban areas and the remaining 37 percent in rural areas. The Economic Planning Unit reported that in 2014, the average monthly income of this group was RM2,537—80 percent lower than the national average household income of RM6,141. The income of the B40 group was also found to be five times lower than the average income of the T20 group (RM14,305) and half that of the M40 group (RM5,662). The B40 group faces pressure from the high cost of living; their average income of RM2,537 falls below the national average monthly household expenditure of RM3,578, with 29 percent of households spending more than they earn. This disparity between income and expenditure could compromise the quality of life for the B40 group if immediate measures are not taken to address the situation. Developing a comprehensive index for this low-income target group is essential to serve as a foundation for future socio-economic development policies. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between social capital, mental health, and the quality of life of the B40 low-income group. This preliminary study employs a survey design involving 100 heads of households in Kuala Terengganu, with data analysis performed using SPSS software. The study has the potential to contribute to the formulation of national policies regarding social well-being, particularly for low-income groups.

Community Development

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