BATU PAHAT: The Johor Health Department is prepared to work closely with schools to strengthen mental health support for students, as part of the state’s wider push to improve access to mental health care across all levels of society.
State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the department is ready to collaborate with the Johor Education Department to provide counselling and psychological support services for schools that require assistance.
“If any school needs counsellors or psychological support from the Health Department, we are always ready to cooperate with the Education Department to conduct programmes and engagement sessions with students,” he said.
Ling was speaking to reporters after launching the state-level Mental Health Day event held at the Health Ministry Batu Pahat Health Training (Nursing) Institute (ILKKM) here on Thursday (Oct 23).
He added that during the event, he also launched the Mental Wellbeing Community Programme (K-Mindset), which is an initiative to make mental healthcare more accessible to all.
Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said the programme aims to equip community leaders with basic mental health knowledge, so they can identify early signs of distress and guide individuals towards professional help.
“The Health Department has developed a training module for community leaders to increase awareness and provide basic understanding of mental health issues.
“These trained leaders can then act as frontliners in their communities, connecting people in need to the right services such as counselling or therapy,” he added.
Ling said this year’s theme, Access to Mental Health Services in Times of Crisis, highlights the importance of making mental health care more accessible both in Johor and nationwide.
“We want to ensure the public can easily seek help at health facilities, not only for physical conditions but also for mental or emotional stress.
“Our healthcare staff are trained and have the expertise to handle such cases with care and professionalism,” he added.
Ling also said that mental health services are not limited to medication or psychiatric treatment, but also involve emotional and social support from the community.
“Sometimes, people facing mental strain just need someone to listen to them or show care. Building a social safety network within the community is essential so that everyone can play a part in offering support,” he said.
Ling also said mental health facilities in Johor have expanded beyond Hospital Permai, with specialised clinics now available at UTC Johor Baru, Pekan Nanas and Batu Pahat.
“In addition, we have set up wellness hubs where individuals can meet health staff or participate in healthy activities to strengthen their mental wellbeing,” he added.
