Nearly 700 teachers flagged as needing psychological support

The education ministry in Malaysia has launched a comprehensive intervention program to support teachers facing mental health issues. As part of this initiative, 691 teachers out of 82,126 nationwide have been identified as needing immediate psychological assistance, representing just 0.84% of the screened teachers. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that this figure reflects the results of a nationwide screening conducted by the ministry.

According to Fadhlina, the ministry's intervention strategy encompasses development, prevention, and recovery through various psychological and counseling services. These services include individual and group counseling, psychological assessments, guidance, consultation, stress management programs, and emotional support. She clarified that the intervention process begins with screening and identifying individual needs, followed by tailored psychological intervention and counseling.

To further improve teachers' well-being, the ministry has allocated RM200 million for upgrading teachers' rooms and an additional RM100 million in new funding. This investment aims to create a more conducive environment for teachers to continue their professional lives and careers.

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) had previously expressed concerns about teachers' mental health, citing factors such as toxic school leadership, increasing digital demands, and harassment from parents as contributing to mental health challenges among educators. NUTP Secretary-General Fouzi Singon noted that a growing number of teachers are feeling isolated and unsupported, with many suffering from depression and schizophrenia. He highlighted that fear of seeking help often exacerbates these conditions.