Hampir 700 guru perlu sokongan psikologi

In Malaysia, nearly 700 teachers are in need of psychological support, according to the Education Ministry. The ministry states it will continue to provide attention and intervention to teachers who have been identified as needing assistance. In a recent parliamentary response, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that 691 teachers were found to require immediate intervention for their mental well-being, representing 0.84% of the country's 82,126 teachers surveyed.

Overall, the findings indicate that the majority of teachers surveyed were in good mental health. The ministry will continue to monitor and intervene with teachers who are identified as requiring support. To help these teachers, the ministry is implementing a comprehensive approach that includes development, prevention, and recovery through psychological services and counseling.

When asked about the number of teachers in need of mental health issues and mental illness, Fadhlina explained that the intervention process begins with identifying individual needs, followed by appropriate psychological and counseling interventions. The ministry is also taking the initiative to upgrade teacher rooms with a total budget of RM200 million, including an additional RM100 million for new facilities, to enhance the well-being of educators.

Last year, the National Union of Teaching Personnel (NUTP) claimed that many teachers faced mental health problems due to emotional pressure from toxic school leadership, increasing digital demands, and disruptions from parents. NUTP Secretary-General Fouzi Singon stated that more and more teachers feel isolated and unsupported, often fearing receiving help, which could worsen their condition.