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The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Normalise mental health talks at universities
PETALING JAYA: As over 900,000 Malaysian adolescents faced mental health issues in 2023, experts stress the need to normalise discussions on mental health, as well as to reduce stigma and to improve access to support systems. Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj highlighted the growing mental health concerns of university students, which worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic. Factors such as academic pressure, financial strain, social isolation and uncertain job prospects continue to affect students, he said. 'Even now after the pandemic, the mental health of students at universities continues to be a concern as they worry about their employability and career prospects when the economy of the country is not perceptibly encouraging. 'Many jobs are being made redundant due to the rise of artificial intelligence, as well as the prevalence of remote working and part-time employment,' he said. Despite existing mental health support in some institutions, the stigma discourages students from seeking help, especially from in-house counsellors. Many prefer external services, which are often costly. Some married students also juggle family responsibilities alongside studies, adding to their mental burden. To address this, Dr Mohanraj proposed an inter-university counselling network to widen access. He urges universities to embed mental health education, including stress management and emotional regulation, in their curricula to normalise the conversation. He recommended replacing high-stakes exams with continuous assessments, improving financial aid options like hardship allowances and part-time jobs, and enhancing campus environments through recreational spaces and nutritious food. 'There must be a national-level action plan to coordinate efforts across universities. This must be spearheaded by the Higher Education Ministry. 'This strategy must include anti-bullying policies and enforcement across universities instead of leaving it to the sole discretion of the individual universities to truly reflect zero-tolerance towards bullying,' he said. This will also enhance public confidence in our tertiary education system. Bullying, particularly cyberbullying and body shaming, is also one of the leading causes of increased stress, anxiety and depression among university students. 'This phenomenon is not just restricted to primary and secondary school students,' he added. Prof Dr Mariani Md Nor, a psychologist at SEGi University, called for a multi-pronged strategy. This includes strong institutional support, mental health awareness, balanced academic systems, active parental and community involvement, and national policies. Universities and schools should establish counselling services, peer support groups and mental health hotlines. Trained counsellors can provide early interventions before problems escalate. 'For that reason, it is crucially important to promote mental health awareness by sending information to the public that normalising discussions around mental wellbeing can reduce stigma,' she said. The lack of support, she said, discourages students from seeking help and leaves issues unaddressed until they become severe. On the policy front, Dr Mariani suggested more government funding for mental health resources, subsidised counselling and school-based screening programmes for early detection of at-risk students. She also addressed the impact of social media, noting that excessive screen time can disrupt sleep and reduce real-world social interactions. Unrealistic portrayals of success and lifestyle online can also lead to low self-esteem, while cyberbullying and misinformation further harm mental wellbeing. Sunway Medical Centre clinical psychologist Evelyn Ngui Ailing said fostering community within higher education institutions is vital. 'Universities can offer interest-based clubs and activities like yoga, Pilates, book clubs and spirituality circles to promote connectivity. 'Teachers and mental health advocates can be trained to conduct weekly check-ins with small student groups to identify warning signs early,' she said. She also recommended creating 'safe spaces' on campus – small, private areas where students can seek emotional support. This fosters a culture where mental health is treated as part of overall health, encouraging openness and reducing stigma. 'The awareness of mental health has improved in recent years due to the power and influence of social media. I hear issues on mental health being voiced out and shared regularly among young adults. 'Although some content may contain misinformation, consumers of social media should always verify and cross-check mental health information. 'On the other hand, social media (and virtual messaging) cannot be used as the sole compensation to improve social connectivity, as the presence of supportive individuals is key to improving mental wellbeing,' she added. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 found that one million Malaysians aged 16 and above suffer from depression. Additionally, mental health issues among children and adolescents have more than doubled, from 424,000 cases in 2019 to 922,000 in 2023.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Communication practitioners vital for humanising challenges says Fahmi
PETALING JAYA: Communication practitioners play a crucial role in humanising complex challenges within today's fast-evolving communication landscape, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking in a recorded address for World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025, he emphasised the need for communicators to engage audiences without deepening divisions. 'Polarisation isn't always negative. It reflects a vibrant, diverse society, but when left unchecked, it can fragment communities. That's where we, as communicators, come in to mediate, contextualise and above all, humanise,' he said. The event, held at SEGi University, was attended by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, PRactitioners Malaysia chairman Datuk P. Kamalanathan, and SEGi University managing director Stella Lau. Fahmi also praised efforts to nurture young communicators with strong ethical foundations and strategic foresight. 'To everyone turning tension into dialogue, and differences into understanding, I salute you. Societies like PRactitioners Malaysia are playing a crucial role in this journey,' he added. Johari Abdul, who officiated the event, urged PR professionals to prioritise truth over trends and foster people-centred communication. He called for collaboration with Parliament to cultivate a well-informed generation of future leaders. 'I ask for your support in positioning Parliament as a living institution of the people,' he said. Kamalanathan highlighted the event's significance as both a celebration and a commitment to student involvement in the industry. 'As we mark our first anniversary, this celebration is more than a reflection of how far we've come - it's a reaffirmation of our promise to grow alongside the future of this profession,' he said. Over 350 students, professionals, and industry leaders attended WPRD 2025, which featured knowledge-sharing sessions and discussions on empowering the next generation of communicators. - Bernama
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ஜேகேபிகே-ஐ அமைப்பது நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களிடையே பதட்டங்களைக் குறைக்கும்
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (eighth, left) poses for a group photo at the World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025 Celebration at SEGi University, Kota Damansara today.
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Bipartisan Select Committees Help Ease Tension Among MPs
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (eighth, left) poses for a group photo at the World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025 Celebration at SEGi University, Kota Damansara today. PETALING JAYA, July 16 (Bernama) -- The establishment of 10 Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committees (JKPK) about two years ago is seen as helping to ease tensions among Members of Parliament, said Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. He said this is because each of the select committees must include MPs from both sides of the aisle – government and opposition. 'Now I've set up 10 JKPKs with members from both sides. When you are a member of a select committee, whatever decision you make in that committee is not a decision of the opposition or the government. It's together (a collective decision). 'At the very least, this helps reduce tension. If there is a wall dividing us, we break it down. And if we can't, we lower it so we can still reach across,' he said. He was speaking at a press conference after opening the World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025 programme at SEGi University here today. The existing JKPKs include the Finance and Economy Committee; Health Committee; Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living and Agriculture Committee; Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Committee; and the Nation-Building, Education and Human Resource Development Committee. Others are the Women, Children and Community Development Committee; Environment, Science and Plantation Committee; Security Committee; International Relations and International Trade Committee; and Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform Committee. Johari said his office has also funded several seminars organised by the select committees in collaboration with local communities. These include topics such as the 'hybrid sado cattle' and groundwater, with an upcoming seminar to focus on public housing issues.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak ready to reclaim health, education powers, Dr Sim tells Putrajaya
Dr Teh (left) briefs Dr Sim on the key health issues during the conference today. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 10): Sarawak is actively pursuing autonomy over health and education matters from Putrajaya, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He pointed out that Sarawak has the constitutional right to negotiate for the return of these rights under the federal constitution. 'Under the Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, Sarawak has the right to seek for health autonomy and education autonomy. 'And Sarawak is ready. And that's why we are working on it,' he said. 'So, I always tell KL (Putrajaya), they better sit down and quickly give Sarawak its health and education autonomy, because it is clearly stated in the Malaysian Constitution,' he stressed. Dr Sim was speaking when officiating at the opening of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Conference on Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases (APCZNTD) 2025 at a leading hotel here today. He also expressed concern over the state of healthcare infrastructure in Sarawak, stating that 70 per cent of health clinics and hospitals in the state are in dilapidated conditions ― a situation far more severe than in Peninsular Malaysia. 'In the peninsula, the number of such facilities in poor condition does not even come close to 70 per cent,' he said. Dr Sim also spoke on the importance of nation-building and instilling shared values, especially in the healthcare workforce. 'Over the past five years, there has been a continuous drop in the number of registered doctors and nurses. The Ministry of Health reported 8,000 nursing vacancies last year and 9,000 this year. 'Why? Because many have migrated,' he said. 'We also need to play our part. It's important to instil values in our people. Why do we provide education? Why do we offer financial support? 'Because we want you to contribute to nation-building. We want you to stay and help us,' he added. He said that the Sarawak government is committed to gradually improving salaries for healthcare workers, but called on them to support state efforts for mutual progress. 'If you support us, we will get there. It means you have a role to play, and so do I,' he said. Meanwhile, Professor Dr Mohd Raili, chair of the APCZNTD organising committee and Associate Dean, Sibu Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, SEGi University, said this year's event built on the success of the inaugural conference held in 2023. 'It showed us the value of bringing together experts from different fields to tackle shared challenges,' he concluded. Dr Raili also noted a growing number of participants, which he views as a sign of increasing interest and trust in the platform. Also present were Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun; SEGi University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Dean, Major General (R) Professor Dato' Dr Mohd Zin Bidin; and Sibu Business Events Committee (SBEC) chairman Dr Renco Yong. autonomy Dr Sim Kui Hian education health Sibu
