Strengthening Urban Resilience Through Income Capital: Evidence from Low- Income Communities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Urban poverty remains a complex and persistent challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions
of the developing world. In Malaysia, recurrent socio-economic crises have disproportionately
impacted urban poor communities, especially women, youth, and informal workers.

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between income capital, defined through stable
employment and consistent income sources, and resilience among low-income communities in
Malaysia.

Methodology: Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 400 urban poor households
and analyzed through statistical methods.

Finding: Findings reveal a significant positive relationship, highlighting the need for spatially targeted,
income- enhancing policies coordinated across governance levels to address structural urban poverty
and build sustainable urban resilience.

Limitation: The sample was limited to PPR residents in Kuala Lumpur, which, while representative of
certain urban poor populations, does not reflect the full diversity of Malaysia’s low-income urban
communities. Groups living in informal settlements, inner-city slums, or peri-urban fringes may
experience different vulnerabilities shaped by their spatial, social, and policy environments.

Originality: In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, this study explores resilience
strategies, focusing on income capital as a critical factor in strengthening urban resilience. Despite its
importance, empirical research on how income capital contributes to community resilience within
Malaysia’s multi-level governance framework remains limited.