Coming
together to celebrate the family must be one of the best reasons to hold an
event and that was what a few hundred people did recently in City One Megamall Kuching,
Sarawak.
Named ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM), November is the month selected by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community to recognise the importance of the family unit in a society. The National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) which was the main organizer for the national launch of ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM) 2015, hopes that it will be celebrated nationwide by both the private and public sector yearly.
Named ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM), November is the month selected by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community to recognise the importance of the family unit in a society. The National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) which was the main organizer for the national launch of ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM) 2015, hopes that it will be celebrated nationwide by both the private and public sector yearly.
The national
celebration was held at a City One Megamall Kuching, Sarawak filled with educational
and interesting family fun activities with a carnival-like atmosphere, from
exhibitions, karaoke, demonstrations and interactive games. The Sarawak Chief Minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah
Anu was the guest of honour and the Minister of
Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim
was in attendance along with various government agencies and family related
NGOs.
The emphasis during the celebration was on five family core
values – love, moral, health, safety and harmony (KASIH) to augment happiness
in the family.
In her speech, the Chief Minister’s wife stressed on the importance
of ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM) to strengthen family bonding as family dysfunction and
divorce is on the rise. She also said that a strong, resilient family
institution is critical for ensuring the development of a country and hence the
launching of ‘1Malaysia National Family Month’ (1MNFM).
The Minister, Dato’ Sri Rohani also spoke on organizing activities
that help to strengthen family bonding, especially for senior citizens as too
often, they faced loneliness.
Many families were also seen at the event which included programs
for children and parents. Among those who attended the event was Rubiah Epit, 54,
a clerk and mother of five. “I really welcome such an event as it reminds us of
the importance of the family,” she said. She added that as a mother of 5 adult sons,
all unmarried, it would be good for them to learn about the five family core
values to prepare themselves when they do get married.
“I hope that LPPKN will
continue to hold this event yearly as it is important, especially for young
people. Society is changing, and as the Chief Minister’s wife said, divorce is
rising. Hence, November being set aside as Family Month by the government will remind
us how central the family is in our community,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sharon Chew, a 45 year old mother of 2 teenage girls
and 2 young boys was also happy with the event. “My two boys had a great time
and I learnt a lot on family harmony. The exhibitions were interesting and
informative as I didn’t realise there are government agencies that can provide
counselling, for the young and also for parents. I hope that LPPKN will receive
more support from the private sector for ‘1Malaysia
National Family Month’ (1MNFM) can be a month for
Malaysian families to come together and celebrate with each other,” she added.
A wonderful event, Rose. I love the message!
ReplyDeleteReally muhibah... this is the way it should be!
ReplyDeleteNice one. Strong families make strong nation.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2016...
ReplyDeleteRohani, my friend - we called her Annie. Schoolmate, a few years my junior...and dance party kaki. Now YB dah, not the same anymore.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely and worthwhile event, dear Rose! Lovely photos. Happy 2016 to you, and I hope you have much joy, peace, love and good health in 2016 and always!
ReplyDeletea very muhibbah spirit over there. :)
ReplyDelete