WANITA MCA has called for stronger policy measures to support single mothers, warning that financial assistance alone is insufficient to address the economic and social challenges faced by the growing group.
Its national chairperson Datuk Wong You Fong said recent figures released by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry showed that the number of single mothers in Malaysia had risen from 130,249 in 2000 to 341,784 in 2020. Selangor, Johor and Perak recorded the highest numbers.
She noted that while these states are among the country’s most economically active regions, they also have sizeable B40 populations affected by rising living costs.
“The increasing number of single mothers highlights the need for a more comprehensive policy response that goes beyond financial assistance,” she stated.
Wong acknowledged government efforts to support the group, including the RM3.1 bil allocation to the Social Welfare Department and the Kasih Ibu Tunggal (Kasihnita) programme, which provides assistance in legal literacy, financial management and personal development.
However, she said these initiatives should be expanded to address the structural challenges faced by single mothers.
Among the key priorities, Wong said, is the expansion of affordable and subsidised childcare services, particularly in urban and lower-income communities.
“The availability of childcare directly affects the ability of single mothers to participate in the workforce and achieve economic independence,” she noted.
She also called for stronger employment support, including structured job placement programmes, improved career-matching systems and closer collaboration with the private sector to create more opportunities for single mothers.
At the same time, employers should be encouraged to adopt flexible and family-friendly working arrangements where feasible, she added.
Wong further urged the government to integrate mental health support into existing assistance programmes, including greater access to counselling services, peer-support networks and parenting support initiatives at the community level.
“It must be recognised that single mothers often shoulder multiple responsibilities at the same time, including earning an income, raising children, managing households and providing emotional support to their families,” she continued.
According to Wong, these responsibilities can limit economic mobility and increase the risk of long-term financial vulnerability.
She stressed that support for single mothers should be viewed as a broader economic and social policy issue rather than solely a welfare matter.
“Financial aid remains important, but it must be complemented by structural reforms that improve access to childcare, strengthen employment opportunities and provide adequate emotional and psychological support,” she emphasised.
Wong said a coordinated policy approach would help single mothers achieve greater economic independence and long-term stability while improving outcomes for their families. ‒ June 18, 2026
