08/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Two-thirds of mothers pressed for time: Survey

Haj pilgrimage blessed with love MECCA: Although her steps are no longer as strong as they once were, 65-year-old Rossilawati Abdul Razak from Seri Kembangan continues her journey in the Holy Land slowly yet with great perseverance, wearing a pair of slippers tied together with string – a symbol of her husband’s unending love. For Rossilawati, the slippers are more than just footwear, they have become a “loyal companion”, strengthening every step she takes while performing the haj pilgrimage, although her body has long been tested by serious illness. The touching story began in Madinah when the strap of the special sandals she used to balance her posture suddenly snapped, making movement even harder because her right leg is shorter than her left. In that difficult situation, her husband, Kamaruzaman Othman, 66, did not hesitate. He bought several pairs of slippers before tying and modifying them with string, adjusting the sole thickness to suit his wife’s uneven legs. “He tied the slippers so I could walk. They were what helped me move around,” she said here yesterday. Behind the story of the slippers lies a life journey filled with hardship for the former teacher, who was once on the brink of death. Rossilawati was diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer at the end of 2014 before undergoing 25 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy because the tumour was too large to be operated on immediately. “Alhamdulillah , until today, I am still surviving and have been freed from the cancer,” she said emotionally. However, the illness left permanent effects after the cancer spread to her thighbone, causing her bone structure to become fragile and uneven. She also suffered kidney complications from the radiotherapy treatment. Kamaruzaman said although they had submitted applications since 2016, the opportunity to perform the haj together was something they had never imagined due to her fragile health condition. “When the results of the medical examination came out, we truly felt the chances were extremely slim. We didn’t even dare tell anyone because we were afraid of being disappointed. “But then Lembaga Tabung Haji asked for our passports and all the Nusuk (app) arrangements went smoothly. “That was when we finally felt that perhaps Allah truly intended to invite both of us,” he said. – Bernama

o Findings indicate growing strain on balancing

family, career and personal wellbeing

KUALA LUMPUR: About 66% of mothers in Malaysia face personal time constraints, highlighting challenges in balancing family responsibilities, career and personal wellbeing, according to a survey conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board. Its chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the findings reflect the reality faced by modern mothers, who not only manage households and raise children but also shoulder multiple additional responsibilities. “Mothers are central figures in the family, especially in shaping future generations. However, in fulfilling these roles, many make sacrifices to the point of physical and mental exhaustion,” she said when appearing as a guest on the Kasih Lensa Keluarga season two podcast produced by Bernama TV on Wednesday. Rohani said the national-level Mother’s Day Celebration 2026, scheduled for Sunday at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, will adopt a more meaningful and advocacy driven approach. She added that this year’s programme focuses on three key pillars – recognising the sacrifices of mothers, raising awareness on the importance of their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and encouraging collective efforts to strengthen the family institution. “The celebration, themed ‘Seteguh Kasih Ibu’, is no longer merely ceremonial but serves as a platform to empower women emotionally and mentally,” she said. Among the highlights is the “Seteguh Kasih Ibu” package, a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting the overall wellbeing of

Rohani said in fulfilling different roles, many mothers make sacrifices to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

including MamaCare wellness massages and colour analysis to boost confidence and mental wellbeing. Rohani added that these services will also be made available at the board’s family centres nationwide to ensure broader access. Apart from mothers, expectant women will also receive attention through two special forums, namely “Pejuang Dua Garisan” and “Seteguh Kasih Ibu”, aimed at providing a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge and emotional support related to fertility treatment journeys. The board will also introduce a Special Mother Inspiration Award to recognise women who have undergone fertility treatment at its subfertility clinic, celebrating their perseverance while inspiring other couples in building a family.

mothers, including health, emotional resilience and mental wellness. The package is divided into the “Sayang Ibu” package, “Jalinan Kasih Ibu” package and the “Minda Tenang” package, Bernama reported. The “Sayang Ibu” package focuses on healthcare, offering HPV DNA screening, mammogram subsidies, fertility treatment support and subfertility advocacy through the fertility treatment and subfertility advocacy programme. Meanwhile, the “Jalinan Kasih” Ibu package focuses on emotional support through activities such as art therapy, laughter therapy and exposure to the five love languages to strengthen family relationships. The “Minda Tenang” package offers relaxation and self-care opportunities,