| Abstract |
Families constantly face new pressures and challenges due to rapid Industrialisation, modernisation and globalisation. Globalization in general brings benefits to families but it also creates risks and challenges that must be anticipated and adapted to. Hence, we have to be alert and responsive to future challenges that families will face and equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills as well as provide the needed services. As family is the most fundamental and important social unit, commitments at the highest level should be sought. Family well-being in Malaysia has been affected positively or negatively by development. Currently, Malaysian families face many challenges as a consequence of the changes in its structure, the increase in the proportion of nuclear families and changing lifestyles. Adaptations will have to be made so as not to lose the family support system, such as for child care, care of the elderly and the infirmed. Hence, the 3P Approach (Public, Private and People) which involves the partnership of multiple stakeholders such as the government, civil society and CSOs in ensuring that the present and future generation is more peaceful, secure, tolerant, prosperous and sustainable is most paramount in nation building. There are various innovative initiatives that have been undertaken in strengthening the family institution such as the National Family Policy, 1Malaysia Family First (1MF1st) and 1 Malaysia Youth and Empowerment Support (1MYes) under the National Blue Ocean Strategy, Strengthening of Marriage Institution (SmartStart Pre-Marriage Program), 1 Stop Family Centre, family education programmes such as KASIH Modules, Parenting@Work, Smart Belanja@Lppkn, Lppkn@Community and counselling programmes. Realizing that the happiness of the people and wellbeing of the family is an important goal in becoming a high income country by 2020, the government is developing its own model of the United Nations World Happiness Index. Currently, Malaysia is placed 51st among 156 countries. Meanwhile, a National Family Wellbeing Index developed by the Ministry Of Women, Family and Community Development through the National Population and Family Development Board in 2011 found that the Family Wellbeing Index is 7.55 out of 10. The Family Well-Being (FWB) Index consists of seven domains; Family Functioning, Economy, Health, Safety, Community, Religion and Spirituality, and Housing and Environment. The FWB Index indicates that Malaysian families have a relatively high level of wellbeing but more still needs to be done. |
