Kuala lumpur: As Mother's Day is celebrated tomorrow, attention turns to the sacrifices, resilience and unconditional love of mothers who continue to nurture families while balancing the growing demands of modern life.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in today's increasingly demanding world, mothers are not only entrusted with raising and educating children, but are also expected to manage careers, households and emotional pressures while ensuring the wellbeing of their families.
No longer viewed merely as the 'queen' of the household, as once described by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in acknowledging their sacrifices, many mothers quietly shoulder emotional and mental burdens while striving to provide the best for their loved ones.
The reality is reflected in a survey by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), which found that nearly 66 per cent of mothers in Malaysia struggle to find personal time, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing family responsibilities, work commitments and personal wellbeing.
Despite these pressures, a mother's love and strength remain steadfast, continuing to anchor the family through life's challenges.
For Faridah Abd Rahman, 50, motherhood has been a journey shaped by patience, endurance and unconditional love. The Information Technology lecturer at UCSI College has spent more than two decades caring for her daughter with autism while managing work and family responsibilities.
'Caring for a child with autism requires great patience because they have unique needs. The challenges include communication difficulties, behavioural issues, medical needs and continuous intervention. As a mother of a child with autism, there are many sacrifices in terms of time and energy. Sometimes I have to prioritise my child above myself. However, every sacrifice reflects a mother's deep love for her child,' she told Bernama.
Faridah admitted there were times she felt guilty for not being able to devote her full attention to her only child because of work and household demands. Still, she considers herself fortunate to have unwavering support from her husband, family and colleagues.
'The support system from spouses, family and colleagues is very important. It makes the journey of motherhood lighter and gives us the strength to remain patient,' she said.
For T. Vigramatigautam, 36, devotion to her family led her to make one of the biggest decisions of her life - leaving her job in the customer service sector two years ago to care for her ailing mother and focus on raising her children.
The Universiti Malaya graduate said the decision came after her mother's health deteriorated due to complications from illness that eventually resulted in the loss of both legs. 'At first, I worked night shifts so I could care for my mother during the day and look after my eldest child, who was two years old at the time. But within about a year and a half, my mother lost both her legs due to complications from her illness. It was very difficult to watch,' she said.
Although her mother died in Sept 2024, Vicra, as she is fondly called, chose not to return to work and instead devoted herself fully to raising her two girls. To help support the household, she now produces canvas paintings and accepts wall art commissions.
'When I complete a painting and the customer is happy, I feel satisfied. It motivates me to keep going,' she said.
The experiences of Faridah and Vicra reflect the quiet sacrifices made daily by countless mothers across the country, many of whom set aside personal dreams and interests to ensure their families continue to receive love, care and attention.
Behind the strength often associated with motherhood, mothers still need continued support, including more family-friendly policies and environments, so they can fulfil their responsibilities without neglecting their own wellbeing and aspirations.