KUALA LUMPUR: The government must establish a National Mental Well-being Index (MWI) to systematically measure and monitor the mental health of Malaysians, amid rising concerns over mental health issues across all age groups, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee, a member of the Mental Health Advisory Council, said it was time for Malaysia to recognise mental well-being as a national priority and assess it with the same importance as economic indicators such as GDP, inflation and employment.
"We have indicators for GDP, inflation and employment, but we lack a structured way to gauge our people’s mental health. Without accurate data, we cannot effectively address what is becoming one of the most pressing social issues of our time," he said when contacted on Thursday (Oct 30).
Lee said a Mental Well-being Index would serve as a comprehensive tool to track the nation’s state of mind and emotional resilience, guiding policy decisions and resource allocation.
He added that the proposed index would help measure what matters, by providing quantifiable data on emotional, psychological and social well-being across different age groups, professions and regions.
"By publishing the index annually, Malaysia can assess the effectiveness of mental health policies and reforms and identify areas needing urgent attention," he said.
He also noted that such an index could promote awareness and reduce stigma, reinforcing the message that mental health is as vital as physical health.
"A mentally healthy population contributes to higher productivity, stronger families and a more cohesive society capable of facing future challenges with resilience and optimism," he said.
Lee said the MWI could serve as a national benchmark to inform government strategies and track progress towards a mentally stronger nation, while aligning Malaysia with global efforts to promote mental well-being as part of sustainable development, similar to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and the OECD’s Well-being Framework.
He called for collaboration between the Health Ministry, Education Ministry, Human Resources Ministry and non-governmental organisations to jointly develop the index using reliable data, research and public participation.
"Mental health is the foundation of national strength.
"To build a caring, productive and resilient Malaysia, we must start by understanding and improving the mental well-being of our people," Lee said.
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Keywords: Mental Health, Well-being, Malaysia, MWI, Lee Lam Thye, Index, Health Ministry, Policy, National Benchmark, Social Issues
