MP questions effectiveness of mental health programmes in school

Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, the opposition MP from Masjid Tanah, has questioned the effectiveness of mental health programs in schools. During a debate on the 2027 budget, she pointed out the alleged absence of data sharing between the education and health ministries. Ms Samsudin argued that the education ministry holds data that could assist the health ministry in identifying students who require intervention. "Without this data, how can the health ministry provide targeted and effective help?" she asked.

The Minda Sihat initiative involves screening students for mental health issues, with school counselors providing early support to those at risk. However, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad informed parliament that students requiring further assessment or treatment would be referred to facilities under his ministry, requiring consultation with parents or guardians beforehand. Ms Samsudin later revealed that a source informed her of the lack of data sharing between the two ministries.

The MP also expressed concern over bullying and violent behavior among schoolchildren, citing a report from Berita Harian showing that the Anti-Bullying Tribunal had received 61 complaints over three months. Physical bullying accounted for the majority of cases, followed by psychological bullying. She questioned whether unreported cases of bullying existed and if violent extremist ideas were influencing young minds.

Ms Samsudin highlighted the challenges faced by teachers, who often have to manage 30 to 40 students in a classroom, making it difficult for them to identify emotional problems, learning difficulties, or students needing food assistance. She emphasized that teachers are not machines and require proper support to identify students who are under stress, struggling academically, or require nutritional help.