Families Today Facing Increasingly Complex Challenges

23 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Modern families are facing increasingly complex challenges due to rising living costs, work demands, lifestyle changes, and the influence of the digital world, said Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Sabah (KWKKR), Datuk Julita Majungki.

Speaking at the State-level Mother’s Day Celebration held at the Sabah Oriental Hotel here on Saturday, Julita noted that the Malaysia Wellbeing Index 2024 rose to 120.6 points from 119.4 points the previous year.

However, she stressed that family wellbeing issues still require serious attention.

“Although the indicators show improvement, many families continue to face cost of living pressures, mental health challenges, and difficulties in balancing work demands with daily life,” she said.

She added that the average household size in Sabah remains at approximately 4.6 persons, reflecting the resilience of the family institution, although modern pressures continue to test families.

“A stable household size does not necessarily indicate reduced pressure, as today’s challenges are increasingly complex, encompassing living costs, career demands, and lifestyle changes,” she said.

Julita further highlighted that the average age of mothers giving birth to their first child in Sabah increased to 27.5 years in 2023, signalling shifts in modern family structures.

“This reflects changing lifestyles and priorities among women today, who are placing greater emphasis on career stability, financial readiness, and family planning,” she said.

She noted that the National Mother’s Day theme, “Seteguh Kasih Ibu”, reflects the vital role of mothers as the backbone of families and as shapers of future generations in navigating modern challenges.

“Today’s mothers are not only educators of their children but also pillars of emotional stability, values, and guidance within the family,” she said.

Julita said that raising children has become more challenging due to the influence of digital platforms and social media, which place new pressures on the family institution.

As such, she emphasised that mothers must continue to strengthen their knowledge and parenting approaches to ensure that positive family values are upheld.

She also highlighted that women today 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 underscores the need for a more comprehensive support system for women, including family-friendly workplaces, access to quality healthcare, and stronger social protection,” she said.

Julita further stressed the importance of strengthening mental health support for women and mothers, particularly in addressing postnatal challenges, emotional stress, and the increasing demands of modern life.

At the event, Faineh Modirim was named the recipient of the Inspirational Mother Award 2026 in recognition of her resilience and sacrifices as a single mother in raising her children to succeed.

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 the Human Resource Management Division of the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Sabah, representing Director-General Halil Omar; KWKKR Deputy Permanent Secretary Alijah Ismail; Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women’s Council Chairwoman Datuk Joanna Kitingan; LPPKN Sabah Director Shahriah Saharom; and Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) Director Haslina Ismail.