NST Leader: Tackling workplace mental health issues
THERE is growing recognition about the mental health of working Malaysians and it is a good sign.
The Malaysian workforce is increasingly acknowledging the significance of mental health, which is a positive development. The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that the number of adults suffering from depression doubled from 500,000 in 2019 to one million in 2023. The Health Ministry reported that 55,000 civil servants were identified as being at high risk of mental health issues, some even resorting to suicidal thoughts.
While Malaysia is gradually recognizing mental health as both a workplace obligation and a public health concern, the challenge remains in transforming policy commitments into tangible support for those in need. A nationwide workplace mental health policy, announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, marks a significant step towards treating psychological well-being as an integral part of occupational safety and responsible employment, rather than expecting individuals to manage stress and burnout independently.
To effectively address mental health issues, the policy must focus on preventative measures and tackle areas such as excessive workloads, work-life balance, workplace bullying and harassment, and managers' responsibility in identifying distress signals early. Counselling cannot be a sole solution, as it is insufficient to address a workplace culture that contributes to poor mental health.
Strengthening community-level support structures, including expanding access to primary healthcare, community mental health centres, counselling, and digital services, is crucial. The Health Ministry's goal of having one psychiatrist for every 40,000 people, compared to the current ratio of one psychiatrist for every 69,000 people, seems ambitious.
The ministry must devise a plan to rapidly increase the number of registered psychiatrists, currently around 700 nationwide. The policy should also outline measurable implementation schedules, including clear responsibilities for employers and government agencies, practical guidelines for smaller businesses, and measurable indicators of progress.
Public reporting should demonstrate whether access to care and workplace support has improved rather than merely counting the number of programs and awareness campaigns. Recognizing this health issue is a crucial first step, but the real test will be whether these initiatives result in healthier workplaces and increased access to necessary care.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
