Rising Of The Post COVID-19 “Biawak Hidup”
In the post-COVID-19 era, we see an increasing number of men taking on the role of househusbands. In the general Malaysian society's view, it is somewhat taboo for a man to stay at home and manage the household while the wife pursues a career and earns a living for the family.
However, the phenomenon of "house husband" or 'Biawak Hidup' can occur due to several reasons, including socio-economic norm changes, family economic decisions, and personal choices.
There are househusbands who choose to stay at home because many companies have adopted remote work during the pandemic, and many workers may continue to seek jobs that offer remote work flexibility. This provides opportunities for men to work from anywhere, which previously may have been limited to jobs requiring physical presence in the office.
If the househusband still has an stable income or higher income , it may not significantly impact the household income and can still meet the family's needs.
The reality we as Malaysian face now is when the househusband is no longer the breadwinner and chooses to stay at home then become a 'Biawak Hidup'.
When the wife's income is more stable than the man's in the household, it can have various effects on family dynamics and the relationship between spouses; The situation where the wife's income is more stable can lead to changes in traditional roles in the household.
This leads to the transfer of economic tasks and family care to the wife, while men may take on a larger role in household chores or childcare. Changes in income balance between partners have already affected power balance in relationships. When the wife has a higher income, it may give her more influence in making family decisions or determining family’s financial direction.
Rough estimates suggest that roughly 0.3% to 0.5% of Malaysians choose not to be in the formal job market. While, there are around 80,000 to 120,000 ‘biawak hidup’ without any income source in the country.
‘Biawak Hidup’ Raison d’etre : Lack of Job Opportunity To Hop On At Middle And Higher Level.
Most of these househusbands are former employees who once had careers but chose to be househusband due to the dwindling job opportunities at middle and senior executive levels.
The socio-economic norm changes are particularly evident in the post-COVID situation in this country, which has resulted in many job opportunities for men, particularly in several executive and managerial positions, being severely affected.
Despite new job and business opportunities, those who previously served in several traditional industries have faced challenges. For example, general trading , construction, hospitality, tourism, and retail industries may take longer to fully recover from the pandemic's effects. This could result in job losses in these industries, directly affecting many men.
According to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the unemployment rate has decreased from 5.9% on May 2020 the to 3.3% on February 2024. However, job offerings in Malaysia only increased in the first quarter of 2022 with 1.33 million jobs offered and also 1.43 million jobs in the second quarter of 2022. However, in the fourth quarter of 2024, it was below the nominal level at only 371,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate at this time still appears higher to compare to the 2.7% to 3.0% rate Malaysia achieved in the last decade. Most of househusbands today who we found tied their marriage knot 10 to 20 years ago.
The competition for househusbands to re-enter the job market can also be quite fierce, where they appear to be more burdensome to employers who prefer young graduates for executive positions. Although they have years of experience, in the eyes of employers, it seems worthless.
There are also househusbands who have fled from toxic and increasingly burdensome work environments due to fierceful competition in corporate world.
Some of househusbands have also had businesses before but had to close them due to COVID-19. For business owners like this , they find it difficult to obtain funds to jumpstart their businesses in the post-COVID-19 situation.
For most of househusbands voluntarily choose to become househusbands because they perceive their careers have reached their end.
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Meanwhile, Some “Biawak Hidup” Actually Living On Gig Economy Fallacy
In Malaysian society, we are deeply ingrained gender stereotypes that dictate traditional roles for men and women. Househusbands may be viewed as deviating from these norms, leading to judgments or criticism. Some people may view househusbands as financially dependent on their wives, which can be seen as a threat to traditional notions of male autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Househusbands mainly face judgment or ridicule from peers, particularly other men, who may perceive their decision to stay at home as lazy or unmanly.
We perceive househusbands as lacking traditional masculine qualities associated with being the primary breadwinner and head of the household. This can lead to feelings of emasculation or inadequacy among househusbands.
Househusbands may face social stigma or judgment from others who believe that men should be the ones working outside the home to provide for their families. This can result in feelings of shame or isolation for househusbands and their families.
Although it's important to note that not all husbands or wives will endure emotional pressure, some men may feel pressure or discomfort if they cannot provide sufficient financial support for their families. On the other hand, wives who have more stable incomes may feel more financially responsible, which can also create pressure for them.
The emotional pressure experienced by a man who cannot provide financial support to his family can be very heavy and have a significant impact on their emotional and mental well-being.
A man who is typically seen as the family's financial provider may experience feelings of failure or low self-esteem if they cannot provide the expected financial support. They may feel high pressure to demonstrate success and economic stability to their partner and family.
When a man cannot provide financial support to the family, it can lead to uncertainty and anxiety about the future, both financially and in terms of family stability. Men may worry about how they will support their family in the long term.
Men often feel a heavy responsibility to provide financial necessities for their families. When they cannot fulfill this responsibility, the emotional pressure they experience can be very strong.
The emotional pressure experienced by men can affect their relationships with their partners and families. They may feel ashamed or too closed off to discuss their financial situation, which can lead to conflicts and tension in the relationship.
If the emotional pressure experienced is not properly addressed, it can lead to deteriorating mental and emotional health. Men may experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and high levels of stress, leading to divorce.
Jumpstart for ‘Biawak Hidup’ Are Crucial for Economic Developement
However, the phenomenon of "house husband" or 'Biawak Hidup' can occur due to several reasons, including socio-economic norm changes, family economic decisions, and personal choices.
There are househusbands who choose to stay at home because many companies have adopted remote work during the pandemic, and many workers may continue to seek jobs that offer remote work flexibility. This provides opportunities for men to work from anywhere, which previously may have been limited to jobs requiring physical presence in the office.
If the househusband still has an stable income or higher income , it may not significantly impact the household income and can still meet the family's needs.
The reality we as Malaysian face now is when the househusband is no longer the breadwinner and chooses to stay at home then become a 'Biawak Hidup'.
When the wife's income is more stable than the man's in the household, it can have various effects on family dynamics and the relationship between spouses; The situation where the wife's income is more stable can lead to changes in traditional roles in the household.
This leads to the transfer of economic tasks and family care to the wife, while men may take on a larger role in household chores or childcare. Changes in income balance between partners have already affected power balance in relationships. When the wife has a higher income, it may give her more influence in making family decisions or determining family’s financial direction.
Rough estimates suggest that roughly 0.3% to 0.5% of Malaysians choose not to be in the formal job market. While, there are around 80,000 to 120,000 ‘biawak hidup’ without any income source in the country.
‘Biawak Hidup’ Raison d’etre : Lack of Job Opportunity To Hop On At Middle And Higher Level.
Most of these househusbands are former employees who once had careers but chose to be househusband due to the dwindling job opportunities at middle and senior executive levels.
The socio-economic norm changes are particularly evident in the post-COVID situation in this country, which has resulted in many job opportunities for men, particularly in several executive and managerial positions, being severely affected.
Despite new job and business opportunities, those who previously served in several traditional industries have faced challenges. For example, general trading , construction, hospitality, tourism, and retail industries may take longer to fully recover from the pandemic's effects. This could result in job losses in these industries, directly affecting many men.
According to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the unemployment rate has decreased from 5.9% on May 2020 the to 3.3% on February 2024. However, job offerings in Malaysia only increased in the first quarter of 2022 with 1.33 million jobs offered and also 1.43 million jobs in the second quarter of 2022. However, in the fourth quarter of 2024, it was below the nominal level at only 371,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate at this time still appears higher to compare to the 2.7% to 3.0% rate Malaysia achieved in the last decade. Most of househusbands today who we found tied their marriage knot 10 to 20 years ago.
The competition for househusbands to re-enter the job market can also be quite fierce, where they appear to be more burdensome to employers who prefer young graduates for executive positions. Although they have years of experience, in the eyes of employers, it seems worthless.
There are also househusbands who have fled from toxic and increasingly burdensome work environments due to fierceful competition in corporate world.
Some of househusbands have also had businesses before but had to close them due to COVID-19. For business owners like this , they find it difficult to obtain funds to jumpstart their businesses in the post-COVID-19 situation.
For most of househusbands voluntarily choose to become househusbands because they perceive their careers have reached their end.
.jpg)
Meanwhile, Some “Biawak Hidup” Actually Living On Gig Economy Fallacy
Certainly, many of these "househusbands" have been part of the gig economy. In fact, in several post-Covid-19 economic recovery plans in Malaysia, the Gig Economy has been positioned as one of the solutions to the economic crisis at the time.
In the gig economy, workers typically operate as freelancers or contractors, offering a variety of services such as food delivery, ride-hailing, courier services and more. Digital platforms like Grab, Lalamove, and PandaFood are often used to connect service providers with customers.
Undoubtedly, the gig economy provides flexibility for workers to set their own schedules and work according to their own needs. For some individuals, the gig economy can be a useful source of supplementary income, while for some ‘biawak hidup’ it has become their primary source of income.
Many gig worker experience job instability because their work depends on market demand, which can fluctuate rapidly. This means they may face periods without work or inconsistent income.
The lack of benefits such as health insurance, paid sick leave, and retirement savings is a significant issue for gig workers. They may also lack the protections provided by labor laws that afford rights and protections to traditional employees. This lack of benefits often leads gig workers to be looked down upon, to the extent that some perceive them as ‘biawak hidup’.
While gig workers may enjoy flexibility in setting their own schedules, they often are paid low rates, especially in highly competitive markets. Many times, we see complaints on social media from various groups regarding the low pay they receive.
Difficulty in maintaining a work-life balance is another issue faced by gig workers. Since they often work irregularly and without a fixed schedule, they may feel pressured to work longer hours or unusual times to meet their financial needs.
Issues also arise when a ‘biawak hidup’ relies on a single digital platform to find work, and they may be adversely affected if the platform changes its terms and conditions or if they are removed from the platform without clear reasons.
There is also a sense of uncertainty about their gig work career's future because their jobs do not offer job security, career growth opportunities, or consistent income in the long term.
This is most reason why many ‘biawak hidup’ even choose to quit gig work altogether because they feel it's not worth continuing.
Challlanges To Be a “Biawak Hidup”: Surrounding Perceptions Towards Househusbands
In the gig economy, workers typically operate as freelancers or contractors, offering a variety of services such as food delivery, ride-hailing, courier services and more. Digital platforms like Grab, Lalamove, and PandaFood are often used to connect service providers with customers.
Undoubtedly, the gig economy provides flexibility for workers to set their own schedules and work according to their own needs. For some individuals, the gig economy can be a useful source of supplementary income, while for some ‘biawak hidup’ it has become their primary source of income.
Many gig worker experience job instability because their work depends on market demand, which can fluctuate rapidly. This means they may face periods without work or inconsistent income.
The lack of benefits such as health insurance, paid sick leave, and retirement savings is a significant issue for gig workers. They may also lack the protections provided by labor laws that afford rights and protections to traditional employees. This lack of benefits often leads gig workers to be looked down upon, to the extent that some perceive them as ‘biawak hidup’.
While gig workers may enjoy flexibility in setting their own schedules, they often are paid low rates, especially in highly competitive markets. Many times, we see complaints on social media from various groups regarding the low pay they receive.
Difficulty in maintaining a work-life balance is another issue faced by gig workers. Since they often work irregularly and without a fixed schedule, they may feel pressured to work longer hours or unusual times to meet their financial needs.
Issues also arise when a ‘biawak hidup’ relies on a single digital platform to find work, and they may be adversely affected if the platform changes its terms and conditions or if they are removed from the platform without clear reasons.
There is also a sense of uncertainty about their gig work career's future because their jobs do not offer job security, career growth opportunities, or consistent income in the long term.
This is most reason why many ‘biawak hidup’ even choose to quit gig work altogether because they feel it's not worth continuing.
Challlanges To Be a “Biawak Hidup”: Surrounding Perceptions Towards Househusbands
In Malaysian society, we are deeply ingrained gender stereotypes that dictate traditional roles for men and women. Househusbands may be viewed as deviating from these norms, leading to judgments or criticism. Some people may view househusbands as financially dependent on their wives, which can be seen as a threat to traditional notions of male autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Househusbands mainly face judgment or ridicule from peers, particularly other men, who may perceive their decision to stay at home as lazy or unmanly.
We perceive househusbands as lacking traditional masculine qualities associated with being the primary breadwinner and head of the household. This can lead to feelings of emasculation or inadequacy among househusbands.
Househusbands may face social stigma or judgment from others who believe that men should be the ones working outside the home to provide for their families. This can result in feelings of shame or isolation for househusbands and their families.
Although it's important to note that not all husbands or wives will endure emotional pressure, some men may feel pressure or discomfort if they cannot provide sufficient financial support for their families. On the other hand, wives who have more stable incomes may feel more financially responsible, which can also create pressure for them.
The emotional pressure experienced by a man who cannot provide financial support to his family can be very heavy and have a significant impact on their emotional and mental well-being.
A man who is typically seen as the family's financial provider may experience feelings of failure or low self-esteem if they cannot provide the expected financial support. They may feel high pressure to demonstrate success and economic stability to their partner and family.
When a man cannot provide financial support to the family, it can lead to uncertainty and anxiety about the future, both financially and in terms of family stability. Men may worry about how they will support their family in the long term.
Men often feel a heavy responsibility to provide financial necessities for their families. When they cannot fulfill this responsibility, the emotional pressure they experience can be very strong.
The emotional pressure experienced by men can affect their relationships with their partners and families. They may feel ashamed or too closed off to discuss their financial situation, which can lead to conflicts and tension in the relationship.
If the emotional pressure experienced is not properly addressed, it can lead to deteriorating mental and emotional health. Men may experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and high levels of stress, leading to divorce.
Jumpstart for ‘Biawak Hidup’ Are Crucial for Economic Developement
We have to accept the fact that the loss of more than 100,000 skilled, experienced and knowledgeable men from the job market has a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
The drop of 4 ranks in the World Happiness Index from 55 in 2023 to 59 in 2024 clearly indicates that our country needs a boost in terms of well-being.
We also believe that not all children are happy when they are at home with their father all the time managing the household in a masculine way, and also not all wives are happy to support their strong husbands who are still living of working age.
The loss of more than 100,000 individuals also has a direct impact on the country's economy because the country loses more than 100,000 consumers who could potentially contribute over RM 500 million to the country's GDP every month.
Certainly, with the changes in the country's fiscal policy towards rationalizing subsidies and targeted subsidies in the future, it will impact the happiness of the people, especially these households with househusbands.
They may start cutting spending and may reduce expenses on items considered essential only. This will have a negative impact on the country's economy in the long run including scaling down operation and also business closure. Thus, a lot of ‘biawak hidup’ batches will be born in near future if no action taken to eridicate this problem.
The Real ‘Biawak Hidup’ Hunters Are The Best Employers
The drop of 4 ranks in the World Happiness Index from 55 in 2023 to 59 in 2024 clearly indicates that our country needs a boost in terms of well-being.
We also believe that not all children are happy when they are at home with their father all the time managing the household in a masculine way, and also not all wives are happy to support their strong husbands who are still living of working age.
The loss of more than 100,000 individuals also has a direct impact on the country's economy because the country loses more than 100,000 consumers who could potentially contribute over RM 500 million to the country's GDP every month.
Certainly, with the changes in the country's fiscal policy towards rationalizing subsidies and targeted subsidies in the future, it will impact the happiness of the people, especially these households with househusbands.
They may start cutting spending and may reduce expenses on items considered essential only. This will have a negative impact on the country's economy in the long run including scaling down operation and also business closure. Thus, a lot of ‘biawak hidup’ batches will be born in near future if no action taken to eridicate this problem.
The Real ‘Biawak Hidup’ Hunters Are The Best Employers
Caring employers are those who are willing to become hunters of ‘biawak hidup’. Without employers who are concerned about this issue,‘biawak hidup’ will not be able to emerge from their problems and continue to be a burden to their families and society.
Employers who hunt for ‘biawak hidup’ can offer re-entry programs designed specifically for individuals who have been out of work for a long time. These programs may include retraining, assistance in job searching, and support for readjusting to the work environment.
These hunters of ‘biawak hidup’ are also encouraged to value the experience and knowledge previously held by househusbands and other job-related tasks they may have performed while not actively working. Recognizing these values can help boost their confidence and motivation to return to work.
If there are employers capable of providing flexibility in work schedules, such as part-time work or remote work, it can attract househusbands who may still want to participate in household responsibilities while working.
Employers can also provide family-related support, such as childcare services or financial assistance for family care, to help facilitate the alignment between work and family responsibilities for existing employees and also for those previously identified as ‘biawak hidup’.
Employers need to encourage career development for all workers, including househusbands. This may include providing training and skills development, as well as opportunities for promotion and increased income.
Developing an inclusive work culture where all employees are valued and given equal opportunities to contribute and grow within the organization can help attract househusbands back into the job market.
By taking these steps, employers can help ensure that househusbands feel valued, heard, and supported in their efforts to return to the job market. This not only benefits these individuals but also benefits employers through improvements in diversity, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
The Government Should Be The Master Of Biawak Hidup Annihilator
Employers who hunt for ‘biawak hidup’ can offer re-entry programs designed specifically for individuals who have been out of work for a long time. These programs may include retraining, assistance in job searching, and support for readjusting to the work environment.
These hunters of ‘biawak hidup’ are also encouraged to value the experience and knowledge previously held by househusbands and other job-related tasks they may have performed while not actively working. Recognizing these values can help boost their confidence and motivation to return to work.
If there are employers capable of providing flexibility in work schedules, such as part-time work or remote work, it can attract househusbands who may still want to participate in household responsibilities while working.
Employers can also provide family-related support, such as childcare services or financial assistance for family care, to help facilitate the alignment between work and family responsibilities for existing employees and also for those previously identified as ‘biawak hidup’.
Employers need to encourage career development for all workers, including househusbands. This may include providing training and skills development, as well as opportunities for promotion and increased income.
Developing an inclusive work culture where all employees are valued and given equal opportunities to contribute and grow within the organization can help attract househusbands back into the job market.
By taking these steps, employers can help ensure that househusbands feel valued, heard, and supported in their efforts to return to the job market. This not only benefits these individuals but also benefits employers through improvements in diversity, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
The Government Should Be The Master Of Biawak Hidup Annihilator
Government, as the largest employer in the country, should commit more to eradicate this ‘biawak hidup’ issue. The government's capacity to be the best example to all employer , formulate employment policies and also to shape fiscal and financial policies enables it to devise strategies to eliminate the ‘biawak hidup’ problem.
The government can provide suitable training and skills development programs and collaborate with other ‘biawak hidup’ hunters from private sectors to assist househusbands in enhancing their skills or updating existing ones. This may include vocational training, higher education courses, or guidance to enter different fields of work.
The government can provide more affordable childcare facilities, extend and improve the quality of childcare to help reduce the household responsibilities burden for househusbands and working mothers. This can be achieved by establishing new childcare centers or increasing the capacity of childcare facilities in community areas or subsidizing childcare services.
Financial support programs such as financial aid for education or training, subsidies for childcare equipment or services, or financial incentives for employers offering flexible hours or remote work can assist househusbands in addressing their financial challenges when re-entering the workforce.
The government can introduce policies that promote work flexibility, such as flexible hours, remote work, or job sharing, which can facilitate househusbands in managing family responsibilities while working.
Psychosocial support such as counseling, career guidance, or social support networks can help househusbands in dealing with the pressures or discomfort they may face when re-entering the workforce.
The Re-entry Of ‘Biawak Hidup’ : A Cherish Towards Better Society And The Nation
With househusbands returning to work, families will gain an additional household income source. This can help improve the family's standard of living, provide access to more services and economic opportunities, and reduce family financial pressures.
By returning to the workforce, househusbands contribute to the nation's economic growth by increasing the active workforce. This can help boost productivity and overall prosperity.
When househusbands return to work, family responsibilities are shared between both partners. This helps alleviate the burden of household chores and family care, allowing couples to share decision-making responsibilities and child care.
The presence of househusbands in the workforce helps foster gender equality in society by demonstrating that both men and women have important roles in both work and family. This can break down gender stereotypes and open doors for more opportunities for both genders in all fields.
Househusbands returning to work can enhance their skills, experience, and social networks, opening doors to more opportunities for personal and professional development. This also provides families with more financial flexibility and long-term economic stability.
Overall, the presence of househusbands in the workforce brings far greater benefits to society and the nation in the form of national economic development and the welfare of the people.
The government can provide suitable training and skills development programs and collaborate with other ‘biawak hidup’ hunters from private sectors to assist househusbands in enhancing their skills or updating existing ones. This may include vocational training, higher education courses, or guidance to enter different fields of work.
The government can provide more affordable childcare facilities, extend and improve the quality of childcare to help reduce the household responsibilities burden for househusbands and working mothers. This can be achieved by establishing new childcare centers or increasing the capacity of childcare facilities in community areas or subsidizing childcare services.
Financial support programs such as financial aid for education or training, subsidies for childcare equipment or services, or financial incentives for employers offering flexible hours or remote work can assist househusbands in addressing their financial challenges when re-entering the workforce.
The government can introduce policies that promote work flexibility, such as flexible hours, remote work, or job sharing, which can facilitate househusbands in managing family responsibilities while working.
Psychosocial support such as counseling, career guidance, or social support networks can help househusbands in dealing with the pressures or discomfort they may face when re-entering the workforce.
The Re-entry Of ‘Biawak Hidup’ : A Cherish Towards Better Society And The Nation
With househusbands returning to work, families will gain an additional household income source. This can help improve the family's standard of living, provide access to more services and economic opportunities, and reduce family financial pressures.
By returning to the workforce, househusbands contribute to the nation's economic growth by increasing the active workforce. This can help boost productivity and overall prosperity.
When househusbands return to work, family responsibilities are shared between both partners. This helps alleviate the burden of household chores and family care, allowing couples to share decision-making responsibilities and child care.
The presence of househusbands in the workforce helps foster gender equality in society by demonstrating that both men and women have important roles in both work and family. This can break down gender stereotypes and open doors for more opportunities for both genders in all fields.
Househusbands returning to work can enhance their skills, experience, and social networks, opening doors to more opportunities for personal and professional development. This also provides families with more financial flexibility and long-term economic stability.
Overall, the presence of househusbands in the workforce brings far greater benefits to society and the nation in the form of national economic development and the welfare of the people.
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