Dzulkefly: MOH strengthening mental health support nationwide, workplace policy under consultation
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is to continue strengthening the support system and access to...
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is bolstering mental health support nationwide, including through the creation of a mental health policy for workplaces, which is currently being consulted with stakeholders. Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that the government is collaborating with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and other relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive policy that considers various parties' needs.
The development process demands broader consultation before finalization to prevent implementing the policy without proper coordination among agencies, he explained during a press conference following the National-Level World Mental Health Month 2026 celebration.
MOH is expanding mental health services by establishing 1,116 government health clinics across the country, complementing hospitals and community-based services like Community Mental Health Centres (MENTARI). Currently, there are around 700 registered psychiatrists in Malaysia, with 400 of them working within the MOH. The ministry is also intensifying specialized psychiatric training while optimizing the roles of other healthcare professionals through a "task-shifting" approach.
Over 500 family medicine specialists provide mental health services at the primary healthcare level, and there are approximately 300 counselors within the ministry. Additionally, 10,000 counselors are registered with the Board of Counselors of Malaysia nationwide.
The involvement of diverse healthcare personnel allows the public to access assistance and early intervention without solely relying on psychiatrists. The health minister highlighted that more than 55,000 civil servants have been identified as high-risk for mental health issues, including suicidal tendencies, based on screenings conducted via the Civil Servants’ Psychological Health Digital Profile System (MyPsyD).
Dzulkefly emphasized that the pursuit of professionalism should not compromise the well-being of the workforce.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
