KUALA LUMPUR:A survey by EMIR Research Centre in the fourth quarter of 2020 found that 81 per cent of respondents expressed concern about losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a media statement released by the research centre on Monday, it is the highest level of concern compared to the COVID-19 threat brought by illegal immigrants (PATI), the quality of education and inadequate salaries at 79 per cent each.

"Respondents from urban areas are seen to have higher concerns than those in rural areas.

"Six things of concern are job loss, inadequate salary, the threat of COVID-19 brought by illegal immigrants, rising national debt levels, mental health and emotional stress; and waiting time to see a doctor," the statement said.

According to the breakdown by ethnicity, Malays and Bumiputeras and Indians showed higher anxiety levels than the Chinese respondents on the quality of education, health sector quality and mental health.

In terms of household income, respondents earning RM3,001 to RM5,000 also showed a high level of concern compared to the low-income group of RM1,500 and below.

Meanwhile, the National Anxiety Index (NWI) study in the fourth quarter of 2020 also saw a decline at the level of 0.7603 compared to 0.7878 in the previous quarter.

"A sharp decline was recorded although still at the level of maximum concern. We grouped respondents according to their level of anxiety using the NWI scale band and compiled their schedule in the hope of a better future.

"Those who show concern at the minimum and moderate levels do not agree with the suggestion that life will be better in the future," the statement added.

Meanwhile, NWI's declining concerns are more pronounced among rural communities.

The Malays and Bumiputera and Chinese communities showed a decline in their anxiety levels.

However, the Indian community showed a similar level of concern in the third quarter of 2020.

The study also showed that 58 per cent of the people at the maximum level of anxiety agreed that they hoped for a better future while 31 per cent were unsure and another 11 per cent disagreed.