KUALA LUMPUR: Annual mental health screenings are among the measures taken to identify students experiencing emotional disturbance, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said Minda Sihat (healthy mind) screenings are conducted annually for all students between Year Five and Form Six.
“Those identified with severe emotional disturbance will undergo screenings twice a year.
“Immediate intervention is also directed to students with early signs of depression,” she said during Minister Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 26).
She said psychosocial support helplines are also available across various platforms, allowing students to obtain support when they need it.
“The ministry also uploads materials like infographics, short videos and wellness guides on various social media platforms,” she added.
Fadhlina said Smart Support Teams are also mobilised to support students through intervention and post-incident intervention measures.
The team comprises experienced and trained volunteer counselling teachers, she added.
“For students found to have severe depression, the school will hold consultation sessions with their guardians before referring them to specialists at nearby clinics or hospitals for the necessary treatment.
“Guardians will also be exposed to various measures to support the child at home,” she added.
Fadhlina said the ministry is also working with the Health Ministry to develop a referral system alongside implementing the Health Promotion in Learning Institutions initiative, and is also developing a Teacher’s Wellness Index.
Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) had asked if the ministry would introduce a more comprehensive psychological and counselling support programme for teachers and students.
This comes following cases of students falling to their death in recent months.
Those suffering from mental health issues or experiencing problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, or visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my).
