KUCHING: Associations and organisations outside of Kuching have been asked to hold their own Mothers’ Day celebrations.
Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said those in small towns should honour mothers with their own events.
“We encourage those in small towns to hold their own celebrations, even though we don’t have any allocation for them. They should consider doing it out of their own initiative and it doesn’t have to be a big-scale event. It is the thought that counts,” she told a press conference yesterday.
Fatimah announced that her ministry will hold its inaugural Mini Carnival for Mothers’ Day on May 17 at Wisma Wanita.
“We want the public to come forward and celebrate this special event with us. We will have several activities that contribute to women’s economy and well-being.
“As a family support service, especially for those who come with young children, we are opening our childcare centre for that day, so we do encourage women to come with their spouses and children,” she said.
Activities from 7am to 1pm include aerobics, zumba, talks, reflexology session, advisory services, beauty makeover session, free health screening, food sales and performances.
Fatimah also highlighted a talk on enhancing married life.
“We encourage those who have been married for more than five years to attend this talk. It will help the couples find ways to rekindle the passion and maintain a loving relationship.
“It is always necessary to have a good relationship between husband and wife,” she said.
Fatimah said there will also be a special dinner that night.
“The dinner is organised by Persatuan Masakan dan Kuih Muih Sarawak in collaboration with the Melanau Association of Sarawak, Kek Lapis Association of Sarawak, Saranita and Suteranita (DUBS Kuching).
“The main objective of the dinner is to honour mothers and their contributions to their families and it will be held at Riverside Majestic. Currently there are still nine more tables available. Make mothers feel appreciated on May 17,” she said.
On the issue of women in their senior years who are neglected, Fatimah said the ministry has appealed to community leaders in villages and longhouses to report any such cases to the Welfare Department.
“I hope community leaders will help those women who are old but have no children or spouse or who have been unmarried all the while and have no one to take care of them in their senior years, to apply for welfare assistance. Inform JKM about it and they will go down to investigate and provide assistance.
“Rumah Sri Kenangan is another option for these neglected senior citizens, but most of them prefer to stay in their own homes within the community they have grown with. For these cases, we usually recommend home help, whereby people will go to their homes about eight times a month to help and keep them company,” she said.
Among those present at the press conference were Women’s Bureau state director Noriah Ahmad, ministry permanent secretary Rodziah Morshidi and Persatuan Masakan dan Kuih Muih Sarawak president Zaiton Istiar Hussain.