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A recent study conducted by Universiti Malaya's Social Wellbeing Research Centre has highlighted a stark disparity in the affordability of basic necessities between Malaysia and developed nations. The research reveals that low-wage earners in Malaysia must dedicate approximately 58 minutes of their labour to purchase a single litre of milk. This is in stark contrast to the Netherlands, where the same litre of milk is attainable with just four minutes of labour. This significant difference underscores the challenges faced by low-income households in Malaysia in meeting their essential needs, indicating a potential imbalance between wages and the cost of living. The study suggests that factors such as income inequality, production costs and market dynamics play a crucial role in this affordability gap, demanding further investigation and policy interventions to improve the living standards of vulnerable populations. Watch Astro Awani's interview with Prof Datuk Norma Mansor, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5lMnIq3qvE