Empirical study of sustainability of food security among urban low-income households in Malaysia

Malaysia's urbanization rate reached 78.72% by 2023, and the global population is projected to grow to 9.8 billion by 2050, necessitating urgent urban food security solutions that align with SDG 2. Despite strong national food security, low-income urban households in Malaysia are vulnerable to rising living costs, inflation, and reliance on imports due to the limited availability of affordable, fresh, and nutritious food. This study investigates food quality, accessibility, and availability among families in Selangor to assess the sustainability of food security. The study indicates that poor urban populations in Selangor face seasonal food shortages, supply chain disruptions, income constraints, and rising food prices. It explores how food availability, accessibility, and quality impact sustainability and proposes potential improvements. The study employed qualitative in-depth interviews complemented by quantitative questionnaires. NVivo software was used to thematically analyse interview data from low-income households, policymakers, and stakeholders, while SPSS and PLS software were employed for descriptive statistics, regression modelling, and factor analysis of the survey data. The research focused on the PPR Gombak area in Selangor. Findings reveal that food insecurity in Selangor is not primarily caused by a lack of food, but rather by systemic weaknesses such as seasonal supply disruptions, increasing food prices, and limited access to nutritious food options. Affordability emerged as the primary barrier, exacerbated by inflation and cost-of-living pressures, even when food was available. These insights underscore that food security cannot be addressed through supply alone; it requires comprehensive measures that enhance accessibility and affordability. The study proposes a framework to guide policymakers in integrating governance strategies, social protection, and community-based initiatives to ensure resilience and sustainability. Overall, the research contributes to the discourse on urban poverty, governance, and sustainable development by offering policy-relevant recommendations that align with national strategies and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).