UNICEF Malaysia’s ‘Families on the Edge’ report, which aims to look into the immediate socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis makes some immediate policy responses as recommended by the report: extending JKM’s financial assistance schemes at least to all children, older people and people with disabilities living in, or at high risk of falling into, poverty increase income generating opportunities strengthening measures to prevent school drop-out. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stephen Barrett, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF Malaysia.