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Malay Mail
29-07-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Beyond blood and marriage: How young Malaysians are redefining ‘family' today and what experts say must follow
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — As Malaysia looks to grow its population and support families, experts say it's time to rethink what 'family' really means. Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Vilashini Somiah said Malaysians should move beyond traditional views of family based solely on marriage or blood ties. 'Many young people today see family as a community that you may be able to build, and not just something you're born into,' the anthropologist said at a recent forum held in conjunction with World Population Day. She said this could look like close-knit communities – including religious groups, siblings or lifelong friends – that act as chosen families. 'What is 'family by choice'? Maybe an understanding that young people can grow older with close friends, siblings, close-knit communities – without having to go through traditional routes such as marriage or monogamy,' she said. Vilashini acknowledged that such ideas may be difficult for institutions to accept, as many still cling to traditional frameworks. 'But the concept is changing among youths,' she said. 'So if institutions fail to recognise that, I think we are failing to recognise the policy change that needs to follow.' Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Vilashini Somiah speaks at a forum organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) in conjunction with World Population Day at Lanai Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. July 21, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Family by choice She gave examples of new family forms: couples who marry but choose not to have children; individuals who adopt without marrying; and youths who see meaningful lives beyond marriage and parenthood. She said some religious bodies continue to debate about the idea of married couples who do not want to have children, but there is no conclusive answer yet. With youths living in a digital world that shapes their understanding of the world, she said institutions need to understand this nuance. She added that only then can effective policies be developed to help young Malaysians understand their roles and responsibilities to the country. Before speaking about the evolving concept of 'family', Vilashini noted that many young people still wish to have children, but face financial pressures and uncertainty about their future. The UN view: Include everyone UNFPA Malaysia Country Representative Dr Julitta Onabanjo says there should be a nuanced and inclusive understanding of the word 'family'. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malaysia country representative Dr Julitta Onabanjo said the definition of family must also reflect these changing realities. 'I think the family is fundamental. However the family is also changing, and so we shouldn't exclude those who choose not to have children or get married from the notion of family,' she told Malay Mail. 'Because I can be a single male who has nephews and nieces who I really look after and I want to feel I'm still a family person, even though I don't have children,' she said. 'And I think this is very important, otherwise we lose this notion and we exclude.' 'What we are trying to say is that even in the definition of family formation, we need to take into account everybody and the choices that they make.' LPPKN: 'Family' always exists, values still matter LPPKN chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim says family is important, but it can take on wider scenarios such as those unable to give birth or those who adopt children. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim agreed that the public now has a broader view of family. 'So the definition of family is getting broader as how people perceived it,' she told Malay Mail. She said some may not be able to have children due to health reasons or marrying later in life, but that does not mean they do not have a family. 'They adopt or they have very close nephews or nieces, so that becomes like their child. So there is a family,' she said. 'But most importantly, in Malaysia, we make sure that 'family' always exists.' She cautioned against overly individualistic cultures seen in other countries and said Malaysians should continue to value both traditional and chosen family structures. She said LPPKN promotes the family institution and encourages having children, adding that it is important to create a supportive environment for those who wish to do so. New masculinity, new policies With Malaysia projected to face a population decline from 2060, Vilashini said the country must also address gender roles in the family. She said caregiving – often seen as a woman's responsibility – needs to be viewed more equally. 'I'm not just talking about mothers. Many among us were raised by grandmothers, aunts or female babysitters,' she said. She said men are often seen only as protectors, providers or procreators, but this narrow view contributes to toxic masculinity. Vilashini said men also take on caregiving roles, such as single fathers or sons caring for their ageing parents or disabled family members, but these are rarely acknowledged. She called this the 'invisible' burden of care that men carry, which society hesitates to discuss. Instead, she urged for more inclusive views of masculinity that allow men to show vulnerability and share their emotions. She also stressed the need to encourage fathers to take active roles in caring for their children, not just caring about them. Vilashini said population policies must also include more inclusive language and narratives. She gave the example of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who may be infertile but can still contribute meaningfully to society and family life. 'This is a shared responsibility, it has to be done hand in hand,' she said. 'If people don't see themselves as being able to help the government, rather than the government directing them, then we are not going to have effective policies.'
The Sun
27-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dr Wan Azizah inspires cancer patients with hope and resilience
SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, encouraged cancer patients to maintain a positive mindset and focus on the brighter side of life. Speaking at the Charity Event for the Women Cancer Awareness and Support Organisation (KAWAN), she emphasised that cancer should not be seen as the end but as an opportunity for personal strength. 'We must always think positively, not negatively. Appreciate even the smallest things. Cancer is not the end; it's an opportunity to strengthen ourselves, Insya-Allah,' she said. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted government initiatives such as Peka B40 and MySalam, which provide financial aid, medical equipment, and transportation support to ease the burden on patients. She noted that early cancer screening services are available nationwide through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and healthcare facilities at minimal costs. The event, attended by 330 individuals including 126 cancer patients, was graced by KAWAN chairperson and founder Dorizima Md Yusof. – Bernama
Sinar Daily
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
12-year-old Malaysian prodigy Nur Ellysha shines in voiceovers, theatre and international sports
BANGI - Nur Ellysha Rashlina Mohd Rashdan may be only 12 but she is already carving out a name for herself in the world of creative arts and sports. This Year Six pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat here has already done voiceovers and performed in a musical theatre, and is even active in sports. Nur Ellysha Rashlina Mohd Rashdan Ellysha, as she is fondly known, is no stranger to the creative arts as her father Mohd Rashdan Ramlee was actively involved in animation and production works, and was the creator of the English-language 3D animated TV series 'Supertots' and 'SuperSquad', which became a phenomenon in the early 2000s. According to Ellysha, several main characters in the animated series were named after and inspired by her and her three older siblings, making the production feel personal to the family and sparking her own interest in the creative arts. "From a young age, I was exposed to the production world as I often accompanied my mother and siblings to various events related to 'Supertots' and 'SuperSquad'. That's where I developed a love for the performing arts and the desire to try it for myself,' she said in a recent interview with Bernama. To nurture her talent in the performing arts, Ellysha began attending dance and theatre classes at the age of four, under the guidance of Noraniza Idris, who is also known as the Queen of Traditional and Creative Ethnic Rhythms. So far, Ellysha has done voiceovers for, among others, corporate social responsibility advertisements produced by the National Population and Family Development Board, as well as Covid-19 awareness campaigns by Yayasan Hasanah. She has also received other opportunities, including acting in the musical theatre 'Huminodun: Muzikal Puteri Nabalu' this year. Ellysha also excels in rope skipping and represented Malaysia in the Singapore National and Open Jump Rope Championship 2024 in various under-12 categories. "I love rope skipping because it can be done both individually and in groups. Right now, I train three to four times a week to sharpen my skills. "God willing, I will represent Malaysia in the Queen's Cup Jump Rope Thailand Open 2025 and the Singapore National Jump Rope 2025 at the end of this year,' said Ellysha, who is also a member of the Malaysia Jump Rope Federation and GB Rope Skipping Academy. Despite her busy schedule in the arts and sports fields, Ellysha remains committed to her studies and ensures her academics are never overlooked. "Sometimes it's tiring because I go to school during the day and have training or tuition at night, but I'm used to it. If you love what you do and have goals, you'll make the effort,' said Ellysha, who also serves as a peer mentor at her school. She is also the president of her school's Cultural Club. Looking ahead, Ellysha hopes to pursue her secondary education at Sekolah Seni Malaysia Perak and later further her studies in theatre arts at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. "If we have the passion, we shouldn't be afraid to try. We must believe in ourselves and not give up easily. If we work hard, God willing, a path will open,' she said. Meanwhile, her mother Nor Haslina Mohamed, 49, said parents play a crucial role in nurturing a child's potential from an early age, including building a portfolio, providing training space and guiding them toward the right path. "Every child is different… some are quiet, some are active. If you notice their interests, help and encourage them gradually. A child's success isn't solely based on academics but also on talent development and character building. "I believe early exposure and consistent guidance are vital. As parents, we must be attentive and help our children discover their strengths,' she said. - BERNAMA
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Youth need supportive ecosystem to start families, not mere encouragement, says Nancy
KUALA LUMPUR: Family-related policies must be anchored in an ecosystem that supports the needs of the younger generation, rather than merely urging them to marry and start families, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said many young people wish to marry and raise families, but are hindered by factors such as cost of living, unstable employment, limited access to childcare and uncertainties about the future. "The solution lies in creating a supportive ecosystem - not in simply encouraging them to start families immediately," she said in a statement in conjunction with World Population Day 2025 on Friday (July 11). Nancy said population issues must be viewed as a present-day crisis that requires inclusive and progressive policy action, in line with demographic shifts and the expectations of the younger generation. Malaysia's current total fertility rate stands at 1.7 children - well below the replacement level of 2.1 - while birth rates dropped by more than 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This year's World Population Day, themed "Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World," underscores the importance of listening to and addressing the needs of the younger generation. The ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), remains committed to raising public awareness on population-related issues, including reproductive health rights, demographic shifts, family wellbeing and sustainable development. To this end, the ministry is focusing on implementing comprehensive strategies to support family planning among youth, including subsidies under the Infertility Treatment Assistance and Advocacy (BuAI) programme for 1,300 eligible couples, improved childcare facilities and more flexible parental leave. The highlight of the national-level celebration for World Population Day 2025 will take place on July 21 at Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, in collaboration with the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and the United Nations Population Fund. In addition, state-level celebrations will be held throughout July and August via seminars on population and family-related topics, organised by LPPKN state offices in collaboration with strategic partners nationwide. Further information on World Population Day 2025 is available at LPPKN's official website, and the Population and Family Research Hub at - Bernama
The Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Perlis LPPKN offers free BuAI fertility services for childless couples
PERLIS: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) in Perlis is urging childless couples married for at least a year to take advantage of free fertility services under the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy (BuAI) Programme. Acting director Fairee Osman @ Azmi stated that the initiative includes early fertility screening, treatment support, and referrals to LPPKN-affiliated health facilities. 'The programme aims to assist couples with household incomes below RM10,000 monthly,' he said. Despite targeting 100 couples this year, only eight have enrolled so far. Fairee emphasized the importance of early intervention, advising interested couples to visit the Perlis LPPKN office for details. The announcement followed the state-level Father's Day 2025 celebration, officiated by Wan Badariah Wan Saad, chairperson of the state Women, Family and Community Development, Unity and Environment Committee.
