Kota Kinabalu: Modern families are facing increasingly complex challenges due to cost of living pressures, work demands, lifestyle changes, and the influence of the digital world, said State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki.
She said the Malaysia Wellbeing Index 2024 increased to 120.6 points compared to 119.4 points in the previous year, however, family wellbeing challenges still require serious attention.
“Although the indicators show improvement, many families are still facing cost of living pressures, mental health challenges, and difficulties in balancing work demands and daily life,” she said.
She said the average household size in Sabah remains at around 4.6 people, reflecting the strength of the family institution, but modern living pressures continue to pose challenges to families today.
“A stable household size does not necessarily mean that household pressures have reduced because today’s challenges are increasingly complex involving cost of living, career demands, and lifestyle changes,” she said.
Julita said this officiating the State-Level Mother’s Day Celebration, at a Hotel, here, recently.
According to her, the average age of mothers giving birth to their first child in Sabah has increased to 27.5 years in 2023, indicating changes in modern family structure.
“This reflects changes in lifestyle and the priorities of today’s women, who are increasingly focusing on career stability, financial preparation, and family planning,” she said.
Julita said that the National Mother’s Day theme, “Seteguh Kasih Ibu”, is in line with the role of mothers as the backbone of families and the shapers of future generations in facing increasingly complex modern challenges.
“Today’s mothers are not only educators of their children but also the pillar of emotional stability, values, and direction within the family,” she said.
She said the challenges of raising children have become more difficult due to the influence of digital platforms and social media, which create new pressures on the family institution.
Therefore, she said, mothers must continue to strengthen their knowledge and parenting approaches so that positive values within families can be preserved.
In addition, Julita said women today also face significant challenges in balancing career and family responsibilities, in line with findings from the study “Life Satisfaction among Women in Sabah, Malaysia: A Quantitative Study” (2025).
“This situation highlights the need for a more comprehensive support system for women, including family-friendly work environments, access to quality healthcare, and stronger social protection,” she said.
She also stressed that support for the mental health of women and mothers must be strengthened, especially in facing postnatal challenges, emotional stress, and the increasingly complex demands of modern life.
At the event, Faineh Modirim was announced as the recipient of the Inspirational Mother Award 2026 in recognition of her resilience and sacrifices as a single mother in raising her children to success.
Faineh, who is also active in education and entrepreneurship, received RM1,000 in cash, a certificate of appreciation, and a ceremonial shawl presented by Julita.
Also present were KWKKR Permanent Secretary, Datuk Maria Chong; Director of Human Resource Management Division of the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Sabah representing LPPKN Director-General, Halil Omar; KWKKR Deputy Permanent Secretary, Alijah Ismail; Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women’s Council Chairwoman, Datuk Joanna Kitingan; Director of LPPKN Sabah, Shahriah Saharom; and Sabah Women Affairs Department (JHEWA) director, Haslina Ismail.
