GEORGE TOWN: Reminding civil servants that mental health is just as important as their physical health, Penang state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said it is crucial to seek support as early as possible.
Gooi urged department heads, supervisors and colleagues to work together to create a stigma-free, caring and supportive work environment for those seeking mental health assistance.
“It is important that the confidentiality of officers’ information be protected and workplace stigma reduced.
“Those in management must look beyond individual factors and consider psychosocial and organisational risks that could affect the mental well-being of employees,” he said yesterday.
Gooi said the findings of the Digital Psychological Health Profiling System for Civil Servants (MyPsyD) survey showed that 334 out of 8,681 civil servants in Penang required additional mental health support.
For civil servants identified as high-risk through MyPsyD, he said the Public Service Department had established intervention and referral mechanisms with the Health Ministry.
“Those who are stable may be referred to Health Ministry clinics for further assessment and treatment, while those in crisis will be sent directly to the nearest hospital for immediate care.
“Support may include counselling or psychotherapy, with follow-up based on their needs,” he said.
Gooi also said undergoing MyPsyD screening should not be seen as labelling.
“Those identified as being at risk will undergo further assessment to determine their risk level and the appropriate follow-up,” he added.
Gooi said the state government takes the mental health of civil servants seriously as it affects not only them and their families but also workplace well-being and public service delivery.
The state government, he added, will continue supporting these mechanisms and strengthen cooperation between departments so officers who need help can receive it as early as possible.
Gooi said the state government established the Penang Mental Health Committee in 2024, involving relevant departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, to strengthen cooperation and the sharing of resources and expertise in the field of mental health.
Gooi said it is important that support does not stop at screening.
“The Health Ministry also provides the HEAL 15555 mental health hotline, operated by psychology officers, from 8am to midnight daily, including public holidays, for emotional and psychosocial support,” he said.
Gooi said community-based mental health services are provided through Mentari Malaysia including two centres in Penang – Mentari Butterworth and Mentari Penang.
