Ahli Parlimen persoal keberkesanan program kesihatan mental di sekolah

Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, a Malay Malaysian Member of Parliament from Masjid Tanah, expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of mental health programs in schools. During her presentation of the 2027 budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, she claimed that the Ministry of Education (KPM) possesses data that could assist the Ministry of Health (KKM) in identifying students who require intervention. Without this data, how can KKM effectively intervene in a targeted and efficient manner?

Minda Sihat, an initiative aimed at mental health screening of students, involves health counselors providing initial assistance to those identified as at risk. However, on the same day, the Health Minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, informed the Dewan Rakyat that students requiring further assessment or treatment would be referred to facilities under his ministry. Prior to referring students to government clinics or hospitals, schools must first discuss with parents or guardians.

When contacted later, Mas Ermieyati revealed that no data is shared between the two ministries. Concerned about the issue of bullying and violent behavior among school students, she cited a report by Berita Harian stating that the Anti-Bullying Tribunal received 61 complaints over a three-month period, with physical bullying being the most common followed by psychological bullying. What happens to unreported cases of bullying, she asked.

The MP noted that teachers are usually responsible for 30 to 40 students in a single classroom, making it challenging to monitor children experiencing emotional difficulties, academic problems, or nutritional needs. "Teachers are not machines. Without proper support, how can they identify distressed students, those struggling academically, or those in need of food?" she questioned.

She also voiced concerns over excessive screen time, which she believes can desensitize children to empathy while potentially influencing the influence of extremist ideologies on young minds.