Latest news with #MalaysianMentalHealthAssociation
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Making mental care accessible
More must be done to make mental health services more accessible, says Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj. One major barrier, he said, is the out-of-pocket cost of private psychiatric care. 'In Malaysia, private mental health care is generally paid out-of-pocket because insurance companies don't cover the costs adequately,' he said. To ensure everyone who needs it benefits, insurance companies must play their part, he added. 'Insurance companies need to find ways to keep making a profit but also develop policies or premiums that actually cover mental health conditions,' he said, pointing to the urban-rural divide as another deep-rooted challenge. Most mental health professionals are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved, he said. Training local community leaders using the WHO's Problem Management Plus – a manual for basic mental health help that can be delivered by non-professionals – would be a step forward in making such services more accessible, said Sunway University School of Psychology Prof Alvin Ng Lai Oon. He shared that other resources, like the WHO's 'Doing What Matters in Times of Stress' guidebook, can be used in refugee camps and to empower communities with simple stress management strategies. Public psychology officers in the civil service, as well as other frontline health workers like social workers, community nurses and medical officers, can be upskilled with low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy, Prof Ng added. To make rural mental health work more attractive, Master's in Counselling student Tan Xin Yi urged the government to help set up more non-governmental organisations in underserved areas, especially those offering affordable care. She also called on mental health professionals to take the lead through outreach programmes such as community talks, and free services to local fundraisers that support mental health initiatives. Prof Andrew, however, stressed the importance of checking the credentials of mental health practitioners carefully as there can be confusion caused by unregulated practice. This, he said, is to safeguard the public vulnerable against unscrupulous or unqualified practitioners. 'Many who claim to be psychologists may lack proper clinical training, so the public often doesn't know who to trust. 'Unlike psychiatrists and counsellors, clinical psychologists in Malaysia do not have a formal registration body so whether one is 'qualified' is a grey area. 'But you can always check if they are members of the Malaysian Board of Counsellors or whether they have a National Specialist Registration or Medical Council Registration.' Fight the stigma The stigma against those seeking mental health is another reason why sufferers are not seeking help, said Prof Andrew. 'Studies show that some 80% of people know they have a mental health issue but refuse to seek help because of stigma. 'That silence comes at a huge price,' he said. Scaling up mental health services at primary care can help reduce stigma surrounding mental health, Prof Andrew added. 'Many are reluctant to approach specialist services because of stigma. They, however, may be more amenable to approach their general practitioners.' Citing a 2018 study, Prof Andrew said Malaysia lost RM14.4bil in productivity due to mental health issues at work, a figure expected to soar to RM100bil by 2030. 'We've got to address stigma by also looking into workplace policies or non-discriminatory policies against employees with mental health issues,' he urged. For real progress, Prof Andrew stressed that everyone must get involved. 'We can't just leave it to the government. It's a whole-of-society effort. The public and private sectors both have a role to play. 'That's the real turning point if we want to make mental health services truly accessible,' he said. Danger of 'AI therapy' ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) can help people cope with mental health care but relying on it for serious issues could cause serious harm, warns Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj. He said relying on AI chats or virtual self-help tools might cause people to avoid seeing a trained therapist altogether as there might be a perception that AI can give one all the 'right answers' to deal with one's problems. But this, he said, trivialises real mental health care as people might say, 'Why bother seeing a professional if a chatbot can do the job?' While he acknowledged that AI can complement the role of a psychologist in many ways, he said it cannot handle complex or high-risk situations, stressing that mistaking it for real help can be dangerous. 'Nonetheless, AI does have its place. Some may feel more comfortable opening up to a chatbot first, and it can offer some comfort for non-serious issues. 'It has proven useful for offering some relief to people with mental health issues,' he said, while cautioning that it can prove dangerous especially when the individual is suicidal, is having thoughts of self-harm, or is experiencing psychosis. AI has not reached a level where it can offer the right support or direct people to resources and services available, as accurate mental health assessments require far more than just a few prompts on a screen, he said. 'Assessments include non-verbal cues – how a person presents themselves, body language, speech patterns, eye contact, and many more. None of this can be fully picked up by AI,' he said.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘It's worth it'
A CAREER in clinical psychology is rewarding, despite the challenges, academics and students say. 'The career is definitely worthwhile, especially when seeing how psychosocial interventions help improve the lives of individuals and their families struggling with mental health issues. 'In turn, one also gets to make many new friends, creating an extra layer of social support for themselves,' said Sunway University School of Psychology Prof Alvin Ng Lai Oon. While psychology may not be as conventionally valued as other fields like medicine and law, it is equally important and meaningful, Master's in Counselling student Tan Xin Yi said. 'The role of medical doctors is to treat patients and the role of counsellors is to care for individuals –which is equally essential for a person's overall health and well-being,' she offered. Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said psychology opens doors far beyond clinics. 'It's not just about becoming a clinical psychologist. There's industrial-organisational, forensic psychology – so many career pathways to consider,' he said, adding that psychology is highly adaptive and can be paired with other careers. For example, someone could combine psychology with human resources and do really well as a human resource manager, he said. According to Dr Andrew, those who pursue non-clinical psychology careers, such as industrial-organisational psychology, may command competitive salaries as well. 'Fresh graduates can get around RM5,000 per month as starting salaries if they hold postgraduate qualifications,' he said. For clinical psychologists, he noted that they remain highly sought after in the private sector. 'As for clinical psychologists who are highly in demand, they can easily earn up to RM10,000 a month in the private sector with just a few years of experience. With more experience, they are known to take home double that amount,' he said. Psychology isn't only about helping others – it's also about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. It encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and deep reflection on how you relate to yourself and the world. While you learn to support others in their emotional and psychological journeys, you're also constantly working on your own self-understanding. What's important is to stay curious and be willing to grow.-Tan Xin Yi, 24, Master's in Counselling student Mentorship and guidance don't always come automatically. You really have to seek them out. If you're just starting university, make it a point to connect with different kinds of people. You never know who might end up being a mentor or support system later on. I developed a close relationship with my thesis supervisor, who not only helped me publish my first journal article but continues to collaborate with me on academic writing. She's also someone I turn to when I need advice on big decisions. Her experience in academia has been incredibly valuable, and having that kind of support has shaped my journey. -Ellern Eng Hui, 24, public health researcher A degree in psychology is valuable and versatile. Beyond healthcare, graduates can thrive in fields like human resources, marketing, education, media, research, and social services. It involves engaging in analytical thinking, experimenting, reading academic literature, analysing results, and writing reports. Therefore, having strong English skills, a scientific mindset, and a natural curiosity about human behavior is essential. Psychology is an enriching degree that offers diverse career opportunities and deepens one's understanding of people and life. -Ch'ng Tze Kwang, 25, recruitment consultant
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Need for more psychologists
MALAYSIA is in dire need of psychologists. The shortage of mental health professionals has been exacerbated by post-Covid-19 issues such as anxiety and stress, as well as a rise in bullying linked to increased social media use. Describing the situation as 'dismal', Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said the country, with a population of 35 million, only has 400 clinical psychologists. That is a ratio of one clinical psychologist for every 87,500 individuals. Prof Andrew 'Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of one clinical psychologist for every 5,000 individuals, Malaysia is far short of the global benchmark,' he told StarEdu. Sunway University School of Psychology Prof Alvin Ng Lai Oon said the shortage means there are fewer opportunities for people to seek mental health services. The problem, however, is not a lack of interest in the career, stakeholders say. They assert that a new generation of psychology students wants to fill that gap, but outdated systems and unfair expectations are stumbling blocks that have caused many to reconsider their options. Tough road Interest in psychology is high among students – but channeling that interest into real careers is not easy, said public health researcher Ellern Eng Hui. He said the challenge starts with the lack of basic protection for those working in the field. 'Despite working to support the mental health of others, we ourselves often lack access to health benefits and job security. 'It's a difficult contradiction, and one that needs to be addressed.' The heavy costs involved are another deterrent. For students like Liong Kah Yan, who is currently pursuing her Master's in Applied Behaviour Analysis, the cost of studying psychology is steep – and the return is not immediate. 'Internship pays little, if at all. And when you finally find a job, the salary is usually low,' she shared, adding that a postgraduate degree is essential for a stable, better-paying role in clinical practice. She pointed out that pursuing a master's degree can cost RM60,000 or more, depending on the course. 'Not many people can afford it, as it is expensive even with scholarships,' she said. The path to becoming a clinical psychologist, said Prof Ng, is also extremely competitive. Prof Ng 'There are only 12 clinical psychology programmes in Malaysia. 'Even if students get in, the lack of qualified clinical supervisors and practicum agencies makes it tough to gain enough hands-on experience,' he noted. He added that trainees often struggle to secure placements for their required internships. 'In Malaysia, postgraduate clinical psychology trainees almost need to beg to be accepted as a clinical intern to receive supervised training, and there's no guarantee that they'll get the experience they need at a public health service if a supervisor is not available, or if psychological tools are not adequate.' This bottleneck, he explained, limits trainees' readiness for real-world practice and narrows their career options. Still considered a young profession, many experienced clinical instructors are under the age of 40 – leaving a gap in mentorship, he added. To make matters worse, Liong said psychology students also have to contend with unfair expectations because of their vocation. 'When I tell people that I study psychology, they would pour their whole life story and expect solutions from me. 'This is very unhealthy. Many psychology students are expected to give 'free' therapy to relatives, friends or just random people we know,' she said. Ellern said many people still do not realise that simply holding a bachelor's degree does not make someone qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. 'Diagnosis is a complex process that should only be done by licensed clinical psychologists. 'It involves detailed assessments, careful observations, and often multiple sessions,' he explained, stressing that it's not something one can figure out from a five-minute chat. Fixing the shortfall Malaysia needs to think beyond traditional methods to close the demand and supply gap for clinical psychologists, Prof Ng said. Calling for reforms to ensure rigorous clinical training and more structured career pathways, he said competitive salaries and clear progression routes are a must. 'Our salary scale is still under the S-job scheme, when there has long been a call to switch it to the U-job scheme, which offers a higher salary and clinical allowances,' he said. The U-salary scheme, Prof Ng explained, is meant for clinicians within the healthcare sector like medical doctors, pharmacists and dietitians. However, clinical psychologists are still categorised under the S-salary scheme, which is meant for social services roles like psychology officers, youth and sports officers, librarians and religious officers. 'The U-salary scheme basically acknowledges that the professional provides services within the clinical and health sector, which is what clinical psychologists are trained to do,' he added. The confusion happens, he said, because many people do not realise that clinical psychology focuses on treating patients, while other branches of psychology like organisational psychology, focus on different areas such as workplaces. Moreover, he highlighted a system he thinks Malaysia could learn from the United Kingdom's system – where psychology trainees are automatically employed within the National Health Service, ensuring on-the-job learning while contributing to healthcare services. Beyond placement and training, Prof Ng said equipping trainees with broader knowledge is equally important. 'I'd also like to see more involvement of medico-legal collaborations so that trainees are also savvy about legal issues and the laws of the land in guiding their clinical decision-making,' he added. Additionally, he suggested adopting a stepped-care model inspired by the UK's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. Under this model, low-intensity therapists are trained in a shorter period – compared to traditional mental health professionals – to deliver basic psychological interventions. 'It's creating a new layer of professionals who are trained in low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy that can be used to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions. They are also easier to access and cheaper than the usual mental health professionals,' he explained. On the other hand, Master's in Counselling student Tan Xin Yi, suggested implementing initiatives at the school level to draw more young Malaysians into the field. 'Schools can invite counsellors or clinical psychologists to share their experiences and show students what the work really looks like. 'It breaks down misconceptions and inspires students to see psychology as a meaningful career,' she said. Ellern agreed, as he said that psychology as a field is still relatively new here, having gained traction only in the last 50 to 60 years. 'Public awareness of mental health is still growing, and until it becomes more widespread and better understood, the demand for mental health services (and by extension, careers) will remain limited,' he explained. Without stronger awareness, Ellern said many people will not seek help, which in turn reduces opportunities for new graduates. 'That lack of demand then feeds into the struggle many psychology graduates face when trying to enter the job market,' he said.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Putting a stop to online child sexual grooming
In recent times, we have witnessed an unsettling surge in cases of child sexual grooming linked to social media platforms. Beneath the glossy facade of influencer culture lies a growing epidemic that preys on children. The Malaysian Mental Health Association believes it is time we recognise this as a national concern. This is not just a digital safety issue; it is a child protection crisis. Social media influencers now wield more power over young minds than teachers or parents. They produce content that is aspirational and intimate. For children and teens, this creates a dangerous illusion of closeness and trust. Just recently, a social media influencer was arrested and remanded for four days to assist in an investigation regarding allegations of sending obscene pictures to a teenage girl. According to Bukit Aman's Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division, over 30% of all child sexual grooming cases received by police involved social media influencers or public figures. Police say offenders often use their online popularity to build trust with victims before allegedly committing indecent acts. Clearly, the very platforms that gave these individuals reach also gave them unfiltered access to their victims. A need for validation Adolescents are neurologically wired for risk-taking and a desire for novelty. The teenage brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex that is responsible for judgement and impulse control, is still in the process of maturation and development throughout adolescence. Social media's dopamine-driven algorithms lead children to crave validation and social connection at any cost. A 2020 United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) report indicates that 91% of Malaysian children aged 13 to 17 use the internet daily, including social media, with 70% having been exposed to disturbing content. Another study by Unicef Malaysia in 2021 showed that 4% of children aged 12 to 17 who use the internet face threats of online sexual exploitation and abuse. Children who feel emotionally neglected, face bullying or are socially isolated are particularly vulnerable. To them, the attention of a popular influencer feels like salvation until it turns into control, manipulation or abuse. Potentially-severe consequences The psychological toll of online grooming is overwhelming. Victims of grooming and online sexual exploitation frequently experience persistent sadness, hopelessness and low self-esteem. These may trigger anxiety and panic disorders. In some instances, children may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterised by intrusive memories, nightmares, dissociation and emotional numbing. Many of these symptoms may be invisible to others, but to the victims, they can be immensely disabling. A tragically-common response when shame outweighs coping resources is self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Many victims never disclose what happened and the grooming never comes to light. Victims are afraid to speak up. The influencer may be a highly influential public figure who is widely adored. Victims fear judgement, disbelief, shame, being blamed for 'leading on' the adult and/or retaliation from the influencer, particularly if the influencer is well-known or admired in the community. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showed that a significant portion of adolescents were affected by mental health concerns. Specifically, one in four adolescents experienced depression symptoms, and 7.9% reported having suicidal thoughts. These findings highlight a concerning trend in adolescent mental health in Malaysia. Though these figures are not all attributable to grooming, online exploitation could be a significant, underreported contributor. Mental health support is also not always accessible. The shortage of clinical psychologists and trauma-informed therapists in Malaysia makes it difficult for survivors to receive timely, appropriate care. While services like Talian Kasih (15999) and Talian HEAL (1-5555) provide some frontline support, there is still a long way to go in making trauma services available, affordable and stigma-free. Legal protection, difficult enforcement Defined as the process of establishing a relationship with a child to sexually exploit them, child grooming is a grave violation of a child's rights and dignity. The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) comprehensively addresses this conduct by criminalising various acts associated with grooming, thereby providing a legal framework to prosecute offenders and protect vulnerable children. However, there are gaps in enforcement and digital oversight. Groomers often operate across jurisdictions, and enforcement agencies struggle to keep pace with encrypted chats, disappearing messages or apps with little data retention. Even when complaints are lodged, investigations can take a considerable amount of time, allowing the influencer to continue posting, gather followers and potentially groom more victims. The influencer ecosystem in Malaysia remains largely unregulated. Vetting influencer behaviour, monitoring content aimed at minors, or penalising misconduct seem wanting. Technology companies operating in Malaysia should enhance their response times to promptly address take-down requests or address child safety concerns. What can we do? Malaysia must rise to this challenge with a united front involving parents, schools, platforms, influencers, civil society and the government. Influencers who produce content for, or feature, children must be subject to professional codes of conduct, background checks and platform-specific moderation. Any breach related to child endangerment must result in swift account suspension and legal action. All Malaysian schools should include age-appropriate modules on digital safety, grooming awareness and online boundaries. This is as essential as any other subject taught in our schools. We must invest in child and adolescent mental health services. The government must encourage trauma-informed training for school counsellors and continue to increase the number of clinical psychologists in the public sector. Subsidised care, such as that offered by the Malaysian Mental Health Association (Helpline 03-2780 6803 or email support@ should also be made available to grooming survivors by other non-governmental bodies. The government should increase public awareness of the excellent service offered by Talian Kasih (15999) and the Cyber999 complaint channel provided by CyberSecurity Malaysia. Reporting mechanisms must be child-friendly and confidential, and followed by immediate support. Social media companies operating in Malaysia must be legally required to implement child protection tools, including AI-based grooming detection and proactive removal of grooming content. Hopefully, this is topmost on the agenda of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Influence for good The voice of responsible influencers in Malaysia is crucial. They shape the culture, trends and digital norms of our society. They should utilise their platforms to call out grooming, educate their followers and stand in solidarity with survivors. If influencers feature children in their content, they should also protect them, not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. To the popular influencers out there, we say: 'Your audience includes impressionable young people. 'Influence them toward dignity, respect and empowerment, not harm.' Every child has the right to grow up free from fear and abuse, whether offline or online, and every adult must ensure that right is protected. We can no longer afford to treat grooming as a rare or foreign concept. It is happening here, on Malaysian soil, on Malaysian phones, and often under the guise of 'likes' and 'followers'. There must be accountability for those who exploit their influence. Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist and the Malaysian Mental Health Association president. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
