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The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Avoid relying solely on AI for mental health support
JOHOR BARU: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to seek mental health support, especially among children and teenagers, must be approached cautiously, say groups here. Johor Baru Befrienders board of trustee member Danny Loo (pic) said that while AI may offer an outlet to express mental health struggles, it is important to note that the responses generated are based on information retrieved online, including sources that are inaccurate. 'It may offer a space for those who are lonely to seek emotional support or simply to vent, but this should be approached with caution. 'We must remember that AI responses are based on data gathered from the Internet, which is often very general and could even be wrong. 'This may risk individuals seeking mental health support, including children and teenagers, getting the wrong advice that could potentially worsen their situation.' Loo, who is also a member of Hospital Sultanah Aminah's psychiatric board of visitors, said proper assessment is key for anyone seeking mental health help. 'It is important for them to go through it with a professional who could come up with personalised treatments and support. 'A generalised response is far from enough, as each individual is different and responds to different approaches.' Loo also noted that despite the seemingly increased reliance on AI, especially among youngsters, Johor Baru Befrienders are seeing more awareness among the group. 'We have been conducting awareness campaigns with schools in the last five years, which I believe has helped encourage youngsters to reach out to us. 'We see this through the number of calls we receive from the group, which has been gradually increasing every year,' he said, adding that Johor Baru Befrienders receive an average of 300 calls a month. Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS) national chairman Datuk Yahya Jaafar said that there is a need for the government to carry out studies on the matter. 'Like it or not, children and teenagers will be using AI. In fact, it is encouraged for them to do so for their studies,' Yahya said. 'Some may also use AI to seek mental health support, but at the moment, we do not really know whether this brings more harm or good.' While PIBKS had yet to receive complaints from parents on the matter, he said they will keep a close eye on it.
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Community-led BSL programme helps SMK Dalat students pass SPM
Fatimah (back row, second left) takes a group photo with students who achieved excellent results in the 2024 SPM. Also seen are Mathew (left) and Magdaline (right). DALAT (June 22): The 'Bimbing Sampai Lulus' (BSL) programme at SMK Dalat has successfully helped all participating students obtain their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications. Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme — which began in 2021 at Kampung Medong — initially served to assist students who failed to obtain their SPM certificate, with a focus on Bahasa Melayu and History. 'The core objective of BSL is not just to boost passing rates; it is a reflection of a united community effort in educating our children. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. 'Education is no longer the sole responsibility of teachers — it is a shared commitment involving parents, community leaders, government agencies and the wider community,' said the Dalat assemblywoman during the 'Program Intervensi Bimbingan Khas Sekolah' (PIBKS) Appreciation Ceremony organised by the Dalat District Education Office (PPD) at Dewan Jerunai, SMK Dalat here yesterday. Fatimah said following the success of the pilot phase, the programme was expanded to other villages and continued to deliver positive results, with SMK Dalat again recording success in 2022. In 2023, the programme was introduced at SMK Oya and achieved outstanding outcomes, with all participating students obtaining their SPM certificates. 'In 2024, the BSL programme was further enhanced — in addition to Bahasa Melayu and History, Mathematics was added due to the need to address persistent underperformance in this subject. Early results show encouraging improvements.' She also commended SK Saint John for its implementation of PIBKS, which is a pilot remedial initiative carried out through collaboration between PPD Dalat, the school and the Kampung Medong community. She said as of January this year, four out of 12 students under the Bahasa Melayu remedial module successfully exited the programme, while 10 out of 20 students in the Mathematics module had shown similar progress. 'Remarkably, the teaching modules are guided by SPM school leavers and local community members under the supervision of special remedial teachers. This is a true example of effective grassroots collaboration,' she said. Fatimah added that with the active involvement of the district office, KMKK, parents, and local communities, Dalat is well-positioned to become a pioneer district in community-based education. 'This is no small achievement – it is living proof that when a community unites for education, extraordinary things can happen,' she said, expressing confidence that with continued commitment, creativity, and collaboration, Dalat could one day be known not only for its renowned 'balau' and sago products, but also as a hub for producing knowledgeable and well-educated human capital. Among those present were Dalat District Officer Mathew Hubert, PPD Dalat officer Magdaline Jon, and SMK Dalat principal Samsul Bohari. Bimbing Sampai Lulus BSL fatimah abdullah lead SMK Dalat SPM
