55,000 civil servants facing high mental health risk

The Public Service Department (JPA) has identified over 55,000 civil servants who are at high risk for mental health issues, including suicidal tendencies, according to a digital health profiling system called MyPsyD.

Bakhari Ismail, JPA deputy director-general (development), emphasized the importance of strengthening psychological wellbeing across the public service to maintain its efficiency and resilience. He stated that this discovery highlights the need for such improvements, as highlighted in a report by Berita Harian.

Ismail added that heads of departments are accountable for providing necessary support systems to protect employee welfare. He also mentioned that modern administrative demands necessitate effective stress management alongside dedication and integrity.

Stating that civil servants are vital assets to the nation, Ismail announced that JPA is creating a comprehensive mental health guideline for the public service. Furthermore, the department plans to introduce a civil service happiness index to comprehensively evaluate psychological wellbeing.

The government has implemented several measures to support civil servants, such as enhancing service schemes under the Public Service Remuneration System and introducing a hybrid work policy to promote work-life balance.