17/03/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 17, 2026

23 Nurturing children during their fast F OR many Malaysian families, Ramadan is more than a month of fasting. It is a period when values are shaped, o Making Ramadan meaningful, not measured Ramadan coincides with a full school schedule. Long classroom hours, afternoon religious classes and extracurricular activities can be demanding, particularly for those fasting for the first time. ensures their early experiences with Ramadan are positive, memories they carry forward with pride rather than pressure.

puasa separuh hari , or attempt fasting until lunchtime or mid-afternoon. This allows them to participate meaningfully without pressure, reinforcing that effort matters more than endurance. This distinction matters. Children differ widely in readiness and resilience. Some adapt easily, while others struggle with energy levels or focus, particularly on school days filled with lessons, co-curricular activities and homework. When fasting becomes a comparison measured by hours completed rather than understanding gained, it risks overshadowing the values Ramadan is meant to teach. A child-centred approach grounded in observation and empathy helps ensure fasting remains meaningful rather than overwhelming. Why nutrition matters more during Ramadan Nutrition plays a critical role during Ramadan, especially for children.

In recent years, community-based efforts have also emerged to make sahur a more positive and shared experience for children. Ramadan When children are supported with proper nourishment, rest and understanding, fasting becomes a meaningful rite of passage rather than a physical test. More importantly, it teaches them that faith is rooted in care, both for oneself and for others. By approaching Ramadan through a child-centred lens, Malaysian families can ensure the month remains a time of growth not just for the body, but for character, confidence and compassion, values that last well beyond the final day of fasting. Approach that lasts beyond

Sahur is often the most challenging meal of the day, early, rushed and sometimes met with low appetite. Yet it sets the foundation for energy, focus and mood throughout the school day. Many families keep sahur simple, choosing foods that are easy to consume and digest. A balanced sahur that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for satiety and essential vitamins and minerals supports children in staying attentive and active. Milk, yoghurt, fruits and simple meals can complement this balance, helping meet nutritional needs without overcomplicating the morning routine. Hydration is equally important. In Malaysia’s warm climate, ensuring adequate fluid intake between iftar and bedtime is especially important for children, who may tire more easily when fasting.

routines shift and children begin to understand faith not through instruction alone, but through daily experience. As sahur alarms ring before dawn and families gather again at dusk, children often watch closely, curious and eager to participate. That eagerness is something to be nurtured, not tested. For parents, especially those guiding children through fasting for the first time, Ramadan brings a delicate responsibility. While fasting holds deep spiritual meaning, children are still growing physically, emotionally and cognitively. How fasting is introduced in these early years can shape not only their relationship with food and health, but also their longer term relationship with faith itself. Fasting as learning journey, not benchmark In Malaysia, many families intuitively approach fasting as a gradual learning process. Children may start with THE trend among some next of kin who do not continue being financially responsible for their ageing parents at care centres is now seen as turning welfare institutions into “dumping grounds” for the elderly. Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Victory Malaysia general affairs officer Loo Choon Teong said the trend of “passing the buck” among next of kin is now at a concerning level, affecting the operations of care centres. He said the management cost of each resident at the centre can reach RM1,000 monthly – however, out of 81 residents, only 40 next of kin contribute around RM200 to RM300 per month. “To cover the financial gap, we have to rely on assistance from other associations as well as our own fundraising initiatives such as organising bazaars and selling festive cookies during the holiday seasons,” he told Bernama. Loo also shared a heartbreaking story about an elderly man who contacted the care centre himself to seek placement after being asked to leave home by his child, who claimed to have been taking care of the father for “too long”. In this regard, he said that a law requiring children to support their elderly parents should be introduced as a measure to raise public awareness in preserving the welfare of this group. “For children who still have parents, never drive them away even if they have hurt us before,” he said. Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Social Care Professionals and Nursing Homes (Masoc Care) secretary-general Dr Melody Ang Xing Yuen said the situation of “neglect” often stems from the lack of mental preparation and skills among families in managing long-term care. She explained that when parents suddenly experience a health crisis such as a stroke or dementia, families tend to panic because they lack formal training and are also burdened by the economic pressure of a dual-income household.

Parents can help by adjusting expectations, encouraging rest when needed, scaling back activities and keeping communication open. Simple reassurances that it is acceptable to rest or to break-fast if unwell, help build trust and emotional security. These moments teach children that care and compassion are central to faith. Creating positive memories around fasting Beyond the physical aspects, Ramadan offers families the chance to build shared meaning. Involving children in preparing sahur or iftar , encouraging small acts of kindness and explaining the purpose behind fasting help them understand that Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but also about patience, empathy and gratitude. Children should never feel judged or compared based on how long they can fast. A supportive environment

This article is contributed by Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd corporate affairs director Ezmir Azhar Hazizi.

Supporting

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school day For many Malaysian children,

Many adult’s disregard for ageing parents’ care affecting operations of welfare homes

“Many adult children nowadays need to balance their careers, taking care of their own children, and at the same time, taking care of their elderly parents. Without good support, they eventually make decisions that are not ideal for everyone,” she said. Ang said Masoc Care also receives feedback from many families who are having difficulty finding trusted professional caregivers due to the limited availability of such services in the country. According to her, families who initially try to care for their parents on their own, however, feel burdened and end up hiring foreign maids without specific training, and some even place their parents in care centres that rely on unprofessional staff. In line with that, Pusat Jagaan Orang Tua Cahaya Maju founder Dr R. Saravanan said about 90% of the 32 residents in his centre no longer receive financial support from their next of kin. This trend forces operators to struggle with operational costs ranging from RM400 to RM500 for each elderly person, covering expenses such as treatment, rent, utilities, employee salaries and daily necessities such as disposable diapers and food. “In fact, there are irresponsible actions by a handful of next of kin who are found to receive financial assistance on behalf of the elderly involved, but do not channel it to the care centre,” Saravanan said, adding that economic constraints and work commitments are often used as excuses. Following that, Saravanan also said that a law should be enacted to require children to support their elderly parents in order to raise public awareness about the welfare of this group. In November last year, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) at that time, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia was reviewing the Islamic Family Law 1984 to detail the provisions for parental maintenance to be more responsive to current realities.

SilverGenz launches in Johor as state faces rising need for eldercare services ELDERCARE provider Ling (centre), Lim (second from left), together with other VIPs: (from left) ACG Healthcare executive director Dr Allan Fernandez, SilverGenz chief strategist Dr Carol Yip and Ageing Asia founder and managing director Janice Chia at the launch of SilverGenz.

increasing challenges faced by families caring for ageing loved ones, including dementia, chronic illnesses, emergency situations and caregiver stress. These challenges are often compounded by fragmented services and limited access to timely guidance and emotional support. “Eldercare today goes far beyond medical treatment. Families need continuity of care, reassurance during emergencies and support that extends into the home and community. SilverGenz was founded to bridge these gaps by working alongside families, healthcare professionals and policymakers to deliver person-centred care,” said SilverGenz founder and CEO Stacey Lim.

occurring at an accelerated pace, underscoring the need for proactive and preventive care models. “As Johor prepares for an ageing population, it is important that we move beyond reactive care towards a more proactive and long term eldercare system. By strengthening family resilience and community-based support, we can ease the burden on hospitals and welfare facilities, while improving health outcomes through responsible public– private collaboration,” said Johor state Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon. Founded on the belief of “Live an Amazing Life Together”, SilverGenz was established in response to the

SilverGenz last week launched in Johor, working hand in hand with the Johor state government and healthcare stakeholders to strengthen ageing-in-place and family centred care solutions. Johor is moving towards becoming an ageing state, with the number of senior citizens rising to 12.3% in 2025. As Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation, the demand for coordinated, sustainable and community-based eldercare solutions is becoming increasingly urgent. By 2030, nearly 15% of Malaysians are projected to be aged 60 and above, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems, families and social services nationwide. In Johor, this demographic shift is