EARLY intervention and timely support are crucial for civil servants identified as being at high risk of mental health issues, says Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
This follows a national MyPsyD screening which categorised 55,169 civil servants as being at high risk, including of suicidal tendencies.
However, the Public Service Department (PSD) stressed that the figure was a screening result, not a diagnosis of mental illness, and that those identified as at risk must undergo further validation to determine their risk level and appropriate follow-up action.
Gooi said the state government took the issue seriously as mental health could affect not only individuals and their families, but also workplace well-being and the delivery of public services.
“The findings from the MyPsyD screening at the national level highlight the importance of early detection and appropriate intervention. However, the screening should not be viewed as a form of labelling,” he said.
Gooi said Penang had established the State Mental Health Committee in 2024, involving relevant government departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to strengthen collaboration and share resources and expertise in mental health.
He said the Public Service Department (PSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), had put in place intervention and referral mechanisms for civil servants identified as being at high risk.
“Following the validation process, officers who are at high risk but in a stable condition may be referred to MOH Health Clinics for further assessment and treatment.
“If an officer is identified as being in crisis, he or she will be referred directly to a nearby hospital for immediate assessment and treatment,” he said.
The intervention could also include counselling or psychotherapy sessions and follow-up action based on the officer’s needs, he added.
Gooi stressed that the process should not stop at screening, with officers requiring assistance able to access assessment and treatment at MOH Health Clinics before being referred to specialist services when necessary.
He also highlighted the HEAL 15555 hotline, operated by MOH Psychological Officers (Counselling), which is available daily, including public holidays, from 8am to midnight for emotional and psychosocial support.
Community-based mental health services are also available through MENTARI, including MENTARI Butterworth and MENTARI Timur Laut.
“Seeking help for mental health is part of healthcare and should not result in someone being labelled or viewed negatively,” he said.
Gooi also called on department heads, supervisors and colleagues to help create caring and supportive workplaces free from stigma, while urging management to address psychosocial and organisational factors that could affect employees’ mental well-being.
Meanwhile, Befrienders Penang chairman Saras Pillay commended the PSD for taking a proactive approach by committing to early intervention and guidelines that prioritise staff well-being.
“Early support and listening save lives, and creating an environment where people can speak openly is one of the strongest forms of prevention,” she said.
Saras said people could continue working and functioning normally while struggling silently, adding that screening could help identify those at risk before their distress developed into a crisis.
She urged that those identified as being at risk be offered timely, non-judgmental and confidential support.
“We encourage all involved to view these screening results not with fear but with empathy and readiness to act,” she said, adding that mental health is not a personal weakness but a workplace and societal issue requiring collective responsibility.
Based on Befrienders Penang’s experience, Saras said creating a mentally healthy workplace required more than encouraging individuals to manage stress.
“Management needs to recognise signs of distress, provide safe avenues for help and reduce stigma when facing emotional challenges,” she said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting