AS a working woman in the private sector, I belong to what is often called the “Sandwich Generation”.
Like many Malaysians, I find myself balancing the responsibilities of raising a family, managing household expenses and caring for ageing parents who increasingly depend on me.
Every month, there are bills to pay, groceries to buy, children’s educational expenses to manage and medical appointments for my elderly parents.
While I am grateful to have a stable job, the reality is that being employed does not necessarily mean being free from financial pressures.
This is why the measures announced in Budget 2027 caught my attention. For families like mine, what matters is whether the assistance announced will help with the expenses we face every month.
It is a recognition of the everyday struggles faced by millions of working Malaysians, particularly those of us who are simultaneously caring for two generations.
The continued emphasis on easing the cost of living, supporting household expenditure and strengthening assistance for senior citizens provides much-needed reassurance. Initiatives such as STR and Sara can help eligible families meet essential expenses.
Equally important is the attention given to the welfare and healthcare needs of our elderly population.
As our parents grow older, their needs become greater, whether through medication, regular medical check-ups or daily care.
For working daughters and sons, every effort to make healthcare more accessible and elderly care more affordable helps ease both the financial and emotional burden.
I am particularly encouraged that Budget 2027 recognises the challenges faced by working women. We want to continue contributing to the economy, building our careers and supporting our families without having to choose between our professional responsibilities and caring for our loved ones.
Greater support for childcare, caregiving and women’s participation in the workforce is especially meaningful. Financial pressures also do not stop at the boundaries of conventional income categories.
Many middle-income families may not consider themselves poor, yet after paying mortgages, car instalments, school expenses and supporting elderly parents, there is often little left at the end of the month.
For the “Sandwich Generation”, even a modest reduction in household expenses can make a meaningful difference. It could mean being able to afford better nutrition for our parents, setting aside savings for our children’s education or simply having a little more financial breathing space.
Of course, much will depend on who qualifies and how easily families can access the assistance. For those juggling work, children and elderly parents, complicated applications can become another burden.
For many of us, Budget 2027 is not simply about how much money the government allocates. It is about knowing that as we continue to care for the people we love, we are not carrying these responsibilities entirely on our own.
Linda Sim
Bandar Bayan BaruPenang