MP questions effectiveness of mental health programmes in school

Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, the Masjid Tanah MP from the opposition, questioned the effectiveness of mental health programmes in Malaysian schools during a budget debate. She pointed out the alleged absence of data sharing between the education and health ministries, questioning how the health ministry could provide targeted assistance without access to relevant data.

Minda Sihat, an initiative screening students for mental health issues, sees counsellors providing early intervention to at-risk students. However, the health minister had previously mentioned that students needing further assessment or treatment would be referred to government clinics, requiring parental consent. Mas Ermieyati claimed a source told her the ministries do not share data.

She also raised concerns over bullying and violent behaviour among children, citing 61 complaints to the Anti-Bullying Tribunal in three months, predominantly physical and psychological bullying cases. Mas Ermieyati noted that teachers, often responsible for 30 to 40 students per classroom, might struggle to identify students experiencing emotional issues, learning difficulties, or food needs without proper support.

She expressed worry about excessive screen time potentially affecting children's empathy and suggested that violent extremist ideas might influence students.