PETALING JAYA: Husbands should play a bigger role in managing their households rather than leaving the responsibilities solely to their wives, many of whom are also juggling careers, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic).
The advice from the Women, Family and Community Development Minister comes in light of the Malaysian Family Well-being Index between 2019 and 2022, which revealed that both family quality time and work-family balance indicators declined during the period, with mothers at the centre of the issue.
“The index, published by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), shows that working mothers are at the centre of that story.
“Many wives today are running two full shifts – one at work and one at home, and the mental load of planning, remembering and managing everything in between often goes unseen.
“So, to the husbands out there, step in, share the load and play your part because a happy, thriving family is something we build together,” she told The Star.
On May 7, LPPKN chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said nearly 66% of mothers in the country face personal time constraints, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing family responsibilities, careers and personal well-being.
An online public opinion poll conducted from April 18 to May 5 last year, involving 2,032 Malaysian mothers aged 18 and above with children, revealed the challenges faced by these women.
Among the main challenges identified were the rising cost of living, work-life balance, financial woes and children’s education.
A total of 71.6% of respondents said being a mother today is far more challenging than in the past.
In a separate LPPKN survey titled “Maternal Mental Well-being: Challenges and Implications for the Family Institution”, it was revealed that maternal mental well-being is central to the overall wellness of the family institution.
However, several modern-day challenges have negatively affected mothers, who face a higher risk of parental burnout.
The findings showed that mothers play a dominant role in doing housework (48.0%), managing children’s education (41.0%), ensuring daily needs are met (36.6%) and maintaining family health (34.8%).
“The study also found that 32.2% of respondents reported experiencing depression due to these challenges, with 10.3% frequently feeling depressed.
“Only 16.6% of mothers felt that society truly understands the struggles they face.”
The study recommended integrated interventions such as family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements and stronger social support systems to help mothers manage their mental well-being.
To address these issues, Nancy, in her recent Mothers Day 2026 celebration speech, said the ministry had introduced the Seteguh Kasih Ibu Package (PSKI) to support the overall well-being of mothers.
The PSKI comprises the Sayang Ibu Package, which focuses on health aspects through the Women’s Reproductive Cancer Early Screening Programme and mammogram subsidies, as well as fertility treatment assistance and subfertility advocacy.
Also included is the Kasih Ibu Bonding Package, which emphasises emotional strengthening through art therapy, laughter therapy and the introduction of the five love languages to strengthen family relationships.
The third component of the PSKI is the Mind Calming Package, which includes MamaCare wellness massages and colour analysis to support mothers’ mental well-being.
