IPOH: Self-harm among school students linked to bullying requires stronger intervention, with the Health and Education Ministries stepping up collaboration to address the issue, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the collaboration includes enhanced counselling, early detection and intervention.
“Counselling services need to be further strengthened, including screening, early detection of behavioural issues and early symptoms, referrals and early intervention,” he told reporters after launching the national level World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 at Poly-Tech Mara College here yesterday.
“The ministry is also implementing the National Bullying Policy, conducting awareness and mental health literacy programmes, and strengthening counselling services in schools,” he said.
He said his ministry’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team would also provide interventions and outreach programmes for affected people, schools and communities.
He said the School Health Programme would focus on increasing mental health awareness, strengthening students’ coping abilities and creating a more inclusive school environment.
“We want something that is proactive and preventive by creating a more positive environment in schools, so that it becomes part of the culture,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of strategic and risk communication in prevention efforts, saying communications must be structured and handled sensitively to prevent information from having unintended negative effects.
“Inter-agency cooperation, involving agencies such as police, Civil Defence Force, Education and Communications Ministries, is also crucial,” he said, adding that the collaboration could also include academics, who can contribute to the development of clinical guidelines and other interventions.
