But 31-year-old Mayang Sari has no choice. This single mother from Medan, Indonesia has spent the last two years away from her nine-year-old daughter to earn a living here.
According to a report quoting ambassador Hermono on March 19, there are an estimated 585,000 registered Indonesian workers in Malaysia. Most of them work in construction or agriculture, or as domestic helpers.
After separating from her husband, Mayang decided to leave home in pursuit of a better future for her only child.
“Since she was young, her father never took responsibility, so I had to bear all the expenses,” Mayang, who works as cleaner, told FMT.
“My child is growing up and needs to go to school. I decided to come here so she can have a proper education and lead a good life.”
Sadly, women like Mayang are forced to miss out on crucial milestones in their children’s lives.
“Every night I call my daughter, and she always asks when I will come home. I always say, ‘When I have a bit more money, I’ll come home’,” Mayang shared.
Another cleaner, Susi, migrated to Malaysia with her husband as job opportunities in their village in East Java were too limited for them to support their family.
Like Mayang, Susi wants her two children – who were aged 13 and five when they left – to have a good education. “This was why we were determined to come here for work,” said Susi, 39.
It has been close to four years but Susi’s heart continues to be filled with longing every day. “When I’m alone, the loneliness creeps in,” she confided.
When they left, she and her husband waited until their younger child was asleep before departing for Malaysia as they couldn’t bear to see his tears.
“I remember our older child, now 17, crying and asking, ‘Mama, why are you leaving again?'” Susi recalled emotionally.
Mayang’s and Susi’s stories are among the many tales of mothers who form the backbone of their families thanks to their unconditional love.
For them, Mother’s Day is another reminder of the sacrifices they make for their loved ones who, despite being far away, are close to their hearts.