25/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 25, 2025

10

UNDER ONE ROOF

Power of positive peer pressure to help boys

Q: What is it about preteen boys not wanting to bathe? My 10-year-old runs around sweating all day but does not see the need to take a shower. How can I keep the house, and especially his room, from smelling foul? Focus on the Family Malaysia: The first thing is to be patient. Body odour is like a rite of passage into manhood for many boys. We will never forget the mum who told us about her 10-year-old son who said to her: “Hey, Mum, smell my armpit. I think I’m going into poverty.” Of course, he meant “puberty”. He did not know the right word but he knew that odd smell meant he was growing up. At this age, a lot of boys just do not get it. You will probably have to get your son to bathe in the same way you require him to do his chores and homework. One dad told us he once said to his son, “You could use a bath, you kinda stink”. His son looked at him and asked, genuinely puzzled, “Really?” He could not smell himself. Scientists call this olfactory adaptation – his nose had tuned it out, so he had no reason to think anyone else could smell him either. But the good news is positive peer pressure works wonders. As boys get older, they will start to notice girls and notice girls noticing them. Suddenly, the need to shower, brush their teeth and combing their hair will take on a whole new significance. IN the vibrant and fast-paced world of modern Malaysia, the art of housekeeping has undergone a significant transformation. While traditional methods once dominated the everyday cleaning and organisation of homes, the introduction of advanced technologies has revolutionised the way Malaysians maintain their living spaces. From smart gadgets that reduce human effort to mobile apps that streamline chores, the shift from traditional to tech-savvy housekeeping is reshaping domestic life across the nation. For generations, housekeeping in Malaysia has been shaped by cultural practices and manual labour. The use of brooms, mops and scrub brushes was a common sight in many households, especially in rural areas. The art of keeping a home clean often involved time-consuming tasks such as sweeping, mopping and washing, which required a great deal of effort, skill and patience. The use of traditional cleaning methods like the “ sapu” and “ lap” remains part of the daily routines of many families, especially in suburban or kampung settings. The emphasis was on ensuring that the home environment was orderly and hygienic through diligent manual work. However, as urbanisation increased and lifestyles became busier, the limitations of these traditional methods became apparent. Households with dual-income earners, as well as the growing demand for faster living, created the need for a more efficient and time-saving solution. In recent years, Malaysia has witnessed a surge in the adoption of technology within households, not only in terms of entertainment and communication but also in housekeeping. VOICES OF REASON

the roles she plays and the ways she adds richness to your life. Be sure to keep this list handy so you can periodically add to it and revise it over time. The next time conflict arises and your mind starts to spiral, pause and read through the list. Let it redirect your focus from frustration to gratitude. And don’t keep the list to yourself. Share it with her. Let her know that she is deeply valued, even on the hard days. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com Have we learned nothing? Road hazards still persist A WEEKEND drive to the east coast town of Kuantan served as a stark reminder of the horrendous road crashes that dominated headlines not too long ago. It is sad that after all the promises made in the aftermath of those fatal incidents, it seems we have gone right back to “business as usual”. Trailers that are supposed to be limited to 70 to 80kph are roaring down the highways like kings of the road, overtaking at speeds closer to 90 100km/h. Even more alarming was what I saw on my return trip to Kuala Lumpur. As I approached the city, I came across a trailer loaded with bricks, neatly arranged but only covered with thin plastic sheeting. There were no ropes securing the load and no side or rear flaps on the trailer to prevent the bricks from falling off. The bricks were completely exposed and the trailer was travelling at a considerable speed. It was mind-boggling, and frankly, terrifying to witness. One sudden swerve or bump could have turned that lorry into a deadly hazard. Another issue worth highlighting is several road signs along the route were partially or completely obscured by tree branches or other signage. This could easily cause drivers to miss vital turns, forcing them into long and unnecessary detours. As someone who has been driving for over half a century, I have one suggestion for improving clarity – display the speed limit on the same signboards that say “ Zon Beroperasi Kamera ” so that motorists are immediately aware of the permitted speed. And finally, back in my hometown, I was jolted by two unpainted speed bumps that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Speed bumps without bright yellow paint do not serve their purpose – they become hazards rather than safety measures. Authorities must step up and ensure continuous enforcement of speed limits and safety standards, especially for heavy vehicles. Only then can we hope to make our roads safer for everyone. Thiagarajan Mathiaparanam Klang LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

later, his son found Gary in his study, sitting at his computer. To his surprise, Gary wasn’t stewing over the fight but was reading a document titled “Why Norma is so valuable”. When his son asked him about it, Gary explained: “Years ago, I started a list of why your mum is valuable. So, when I’m upset with her or when we have had a fight, instead of sitting here replaying everything that went wrong, I make myself read through that list.” This document contained hundreds of words and phrases describing his wife’s character, strengths and the reasons he cherished her. This is one of the most practical and powerful ideas we have ever heard for nurturing love and perspective in marriage. Try it yourself: Begin a list of why your wife is valuable to you. Include her character traits, talents, personality, values, parenting strengths, physical qualities or the unique ways she supports and loves you. Reflect on

Until then, just keep handing them the soap and towel, and pointing them towards the bathroom. And one last tip: If a blunt “you smell” is needed, it tends to land better coming from dads or grandpas – if they are around. Q: My wife and I do not argue often but when we do, I sometimes find myself spiraling into negative thoughts about her. Is there a practical way to stop myself from going down that road? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Gary Smalley, the renowned relationship expert, helped millions strengthen their marriages but even he and his wife, Norma, had their moments. One Thanksgiving, they got into a heated argument. Frustrated, they each retreated to separate parts of the house. A few minutes

Old brooms, new tricks: Tech’s impact on Malaysian housekeeping

also embracing eco-friendly cleaning innovations. The tech-savvy approach to housekeeping is not only about convenience but also about sustainability. Many consumers are opting for energy efficient appliances and using cleaning products that are biodegradable or produced from natural ingredients. Smart products that monitor energy usage and waste, such as smart trash bins that sort recyclable items, are gaining traction in urban areas. While the shift towards tech-savvy housekeeping in Malaysia has brought about significant improvements in efficiency and convenience, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the major barriers to widespread adoption is the cost of smart home devices, which may be prohibitive for lower-income households. Moreover, there is still a need for more education on the benefits of smart appliances, especially in rural or less technologically advanced regions. Research and outreach by academic institutions, technology companies and the government can play a crucial role in addressing these gaps and ensuring that innovations are accessible to all. The transition from traditional methods of housekeeping to a more tech-savvy, efficient approach is a testament to Malaysia’s growing embrace of innovation and technology in everyday life. As Malaysia continues to advance technologically, the future of housekeeping looks bright, offering smarter, faster and more efficient ways to maintain a clean and organised home. Assistant Prof Siti Fariza Muhamad Amin is from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Berjaya University College. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

The integration of smart technology into daily life has simplified many aspects of housekeeping, enabling Malaysians to save time, reduce labour and improve the efficiency of everyday chores. One of the most significant changes in Malaysian housekeeping has been the rise of smart home appliances. Devices such as smart washing machines, refrigerators and robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly popular in urban Malaysian households. These appliances, often powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), offer automation and personalisation features that make life easier. For instance, robotic vacuum cleaners have gained popularity in Malaysia, offering hassle-free solutions to daily cleaning tasks. These intelligent devices can be programmed to clean specific areas of the home at predetermined times, reducing the need for manual vacuuming. This has been a game changer for busy professionals and families. Similarly, smart washing machines offer innovative features, like app controlled washing cycles and load sensing, which ensure optimal energy usage and saves time. Additionally, the integration of smart home systems has brought a new dimension to housekeeping. Through voice commands, Malaysians can control everything from lighting to security and even household chores. Smart air purifiers, automated lighting systems and WiFi-connected home cleaning devices are controlled through simple voice or app commands, providing a seamless experience that saves time and energy. With growing environmental consciousness, Malaysian households are