(From left) Sultan Sharafuddin touring Tanjong Karang Hospital alongside other dignitaries following the hospital’s official opening on Feb 9, 2023. — Photos from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
IN 2023, during the launch of Tanjong Karang Hospital, Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah spoke about the plight of those suffering from mental illness.
“Individuals who are physically fit may not necessarily be mentally fit.
“Hence, I urge everyone not to ostracise or stigmatise those who face mental health problems such as depression and acute anxiety,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
Tuanku added that those suffering from mental health issues must be given appropriate treatment, just as treatment is provided to people suffering from physical ailments.
His Royal Highness also said that everyone must play a role in the healing process.
Following this, a group of mental health experts and enthusiasts got together to set up the Selangor Mental Health Association (SMHA) the same year.
Dr Mohanraj said SMHA plans to broaden mental health services across Selangor and extend its reach.Its president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said the organisation was established to educate the public and address the challenges faced by those suffering from mental health issues.
“SMHA wants to respond to the unique challenges faced by M40 and B40 families in Selangor, which is one of the nation’s most densely populated and industrial states.
“Stay-at-home mothers and wives in many M40 and B40 households struggle to stretch limited incomes while juggling childcare and household responsibilities.
“These pressures are often compounded by difficult family dynamics, which can take a serious toll on their mental health,” explained Dr Mohanraj.
He added that SMHA provides affordable and compassionate counselling at just RM10 per session and if that fee is a barrier, sponsorships are arranged so that no one is turned away.
Beyond counselling, the association also organises community activities in neighbourhoods with high concentrations of B40 and M40 families to build support networks, strengthen well-being and create accessible resources where they are needed the most.
To extend its reach to more people, SMHA also participates in various community-based activities and collaborations.
An exterior view of the hospital. — Photos from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
Recently, it took part in the Miles for Minds Run 2025, an initiative that promotes togetherness and encourages Malaysians to move, support one another and normalise conversations about mental health.
(Miles for Minds is a youth-led movement which utilises running as a tool for healing and social change.)
Hue said Miles for Minds was more than just a run – it was a movement built on compassion, solidarity and courage. — ART CHEN/The StarSMHA treasurer Joyce Hue said the event was not merely a run but a movement of compassion, solidarity and courage.
“Every participant, volunteer, partner and supporter played a part in breaking stigmas and opening doors for better conversations around mental health,’’ said Hue, who is a psychologist.
Hue said she witnesses every day, in her line of work, how stigmas continue to hold people back from seeking the support they deserve.
She added that it is very disheartening to witness individuals suffer in silence when mental healthcare is a universal right.
“This is why initiatives like this matter so much,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohanraj said that SMHA has plans to expand mental health services across Selangor and extend its reach, including working closely with the Selangor state government.
Sultan Sharafuddin inaugurating the official opening of Tanjong Karang Hospital, witnessed by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (second from right) and other dignitaries. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
He added that the Selangor Speaker’s office has been an informal patron of SMHA since Datuk Ng Suee Lim held office last term.
The current Speaker, Lau Weng San, is similarly very supportive.
“One of SMHA’s priorities for 2026 is to formalise the Speaker’s office as an official patron,” said Dr Mohanraj.
