NBKK 2024 celebration: Strengthening family bonds through meaningful recreational activities
Educating the public on family well-being based on Kasih Madani principles
National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general, Abdul Shukur Abdullah, said that the NBKK 2024 celebration is one of the key strategies of the National Family Policy, which emphasises advocacy for the well-being of the family institution.
The NBKK 2024 celebration will take place over two days, on Nov 9 and 10, at Taman Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.
Shukur explained that one of the objectives of the celebration is to educate the public on focusing on strong bonds and appreciating every contribution and sacrifice made by family members.
In addition, the celebration aims to rally the commitment of various parties towards strengthening the family institution and empowering the role of building and maintaining harmonious family relationships as part of the national unity agenda.
He also mentioned that NBKK 2024 will continue with the concept of relaxed and recreational activities for families, allowing them to share meaningful moments together.
He further explained that a variety of engaging activities would be available for all age groups, including children, adults, and senior citizens.
"Starting at 7am on Nov 9, 2024, we will hold the 5km Kasih Family Fun Run. Among the highlights of this event, in addition to medals and lucky draws, the first 300 runners who cross the finish line with their families will be presented a batik cloth.
"The batik cloth symbolises love and strong bonds between family members. I believe every household in Malaysia, regardless of ethnicity, owns a piece of batik," he said.
NBKK 2024 Activities
Shukur added that the Kasih Family Carnival is divided into three zones: A, B, and C.
Zone A will feature the Kasih Madani House, which offers an edutainment concept. Visitors will embark on a journey to experience and create moments aligned with the NBKK tagline #MomenIndahBersamaKeluarga (Wonderful Moments with Family).
"Meanwhile, Zone B will focus on family-friendly activities such as game stalls, family sports, family arts aerobics, a petting zoo, animal shows, and much more."
"Visitors can also visit the Pasar Keluarga x Saloma, which will offer a variety of traditional food and beverages."
"Zone C will feature a family picnic area at the Bamboo Play House. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and enjoy time together while participating in family-friendly games, which are open to all visitors," said Shukur.
When asked about other attractive offers during the NBKK celebration, he mentioned that employers who organise family days or family activities at the workplace are eligible for tax exemptions on entertainment expenses.
He also mentioned that private companies that provide gifts for the purpose of sponsoring or organising family programmes can claim 100 per cent of the costs of the gifts given.
"The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), through Tourism Malaysia, will offer 44 promotions and family holiday packages through 21 companies starting in Nov 2024, valid until June 30, 2025, subject to terms and conditions," he said.
At the same time, he announced that the NBKK 2024 celebration would continue in all states throughout the month.
Shukur said that Sarawak, Perlis, and Negeri Sembilan would be the first states to celebrate NBKK on Nov 16, followed by Melaka (Nov 20), Kedah (Nov 21), Sabah (Nov 23), and Johor and Pahang on Nov 24.
This will be followed by Perak (Nov 26), Terengganu and Kelantan (Nov 29), and finally Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang on Nov 30.
Commenting on the theme "Kasih Keluarga, Jiwa Madani" chosen for this year's NBKK celebration, Shukur said that it emphasises the importance of love within the family as the foundation for building a society based on Madani principles.
He added that the level of family well-being has been steadily improving year after year, supported by the government through various family-related initiatives.
"The level of family well-being in Malaysia is measured by the Family Well-being Index. In 2023, it increased to 7.93, compared to 7.72 in 2019 and 7.33 in 2016."
"The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, through LPPKN, remains committed to continuing its efforts to improve family well-being through family education programmes," he concluded.
Meanwhile, LPPKN chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said that the celebration of National Family Month aims to strengthen family bonds through the activities provided that are not only enjoyable but also educational and constructive.
"Let this celebration be an opportunity to reinforce family relationships and create cherished moments with loved ones," she said.
