TERTIARY students are being told not to shy away from reaching out to the Health Ministry for support on mental health issues.
Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut said students today faced various forms of stress, including those brought on by excessive screen time and digital dependency.
“The rapid growth of digital technology has created a borderless world that eases work, learning and communication.
“However, behind these conveniences lie new challenges that we must face consciously and responsibly.
“We are seeing an increase in mental health issues linked to digital life such as constant connectivity stress, poor concentration, mental fatigue, loneliness and the risks of cyberbullying, screen addiction and social comparison.”
Dr Mohtar was speaking at the launch of the World Mental Health Day celebration at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai.
He said the Health Ministry together with other agencies have been working to promote mental health awareness through community activities, stress management workshops and online campaigns.
“Digital awareness is about using it more purposefully and humanely to maintain balance, build positive connections and preserve our well-being.”
Encouraging students to seek help early if they experienced symptoms such as anxiety, burnout or emotional exhaustion, he said: “We urge students to reach out to counselling services, health clinics or ministry channels rather than suffer in silence.”
The event, organised by Hospital Permai Johor Baru and UTM, was to raise awareness of maintaining mental well-being.
