KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is showcasing its community-based mental healthcare model through the Mentari Malaysia (Mentari) programme as an example of the country’s efforts to build a more inclusive, accessible and recovery-oriented healthcare system at the 17th Asean Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) here.
Mentari medical officer at Selayang Hospital, Dr Mohamad Hafiz Zulkifli, said the programme, introduced by the Health Ministry, aims to shift the focus of mental healthcare from hospital-based institutionalisation towards prevention and community-based recovery.
He said the Mentari approach not only provides easier access to treatment and focuses on early intervention, but also includes vocational rehabilitation to help patients regain independence and function.
“In the past, patients were often placed in institutions for long periods. Now, we want them to live with their families and contribute to society again.
“Medication alone may not be enough to help patients recover. So, we incorporate other aspects of rehabilitation to help them return to the community,” he told Bernama at the Mentari booth in conjunction with the 17th AHMM yesterday.
He said the programme targets adults aged between 18 and 60, and currently has 40 centres operating nationwide, with more expected to be established in the future.
Dr Mohamad Hafiz said Malaysia was also using digital technology to strengthen early screening and intervention, allowing the public to take an initial mental health assessment online to identify those at risk before their condition worsens.
“However, the screening is not a diagnosis.
“Individuals identified as being at risk will be referred to healthcare officers or relevant specialists for further assessment and treatment,” he added.
The approach also helped address the stigma surrounding mental illness, as patients could receive treatment closer to home while maintaining family support.
The Mentari model has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of three effective, high-potential projects in the Western Pacific region and documented as a case study for global reference.
Held in Kuala Lumpur, the 17th AHMM, which runs from Sept 7 to 11, is chaired by Malaysia, with Myanmar as vice-chair, under the theme “Healthy Asean: Together Towards Equitable, Future-Ready Health Systems”.
