Serious attention to mental health needed, says minister
KUCHING (June 15): Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri has stressed the need for a comprehensive and sustained approach to addressing mental health issues, particularly among teenagers, through multi-agency cooperation and community-based strategies.
She referred to the recent tragic case in Melaka involving a teenage boy who killed his mother due to stress and emotional distress.
Nancy said such cases reflected the urgent need to raise awareness, provide support and ensure early intervention for individuals facing mental health struggles.
'The teenager was reportedly under pressure and stressed due to academic pressure.
'While in custody, he showed good behaviour, but remains preoccupied with thoughts of his younger brother, who was also injured. This reflects the heavy mental burden he is carrying,' she told a press conference held in conjunction with the Family Captain Camp at Damai Escape Park in Santubong near here today.
She added that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the police had extended appropriate care and attention to the teen, but the incident should serve as a lesson that mental health support and treatment must be strengthened.
Nancy also highlighted the importance of expanding intervention programmes such as the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) and mobile services using community counter buses to reach those in need of psychosocial support.
'We bring the mobile counter buses into communities to identify those who may not even realise they are facing mental health issues. Some only become aware they need help after going through interactive sessions like drawing activities or brief counselling,' she said.
She urged the public not to feel ashamed about seeking help and encouraged the cultivation of friendships and open conversations with trusted individuals.
'Sometimes, people experiencing distress don't even realise they need help.
'That's why it is important to provide platforms and safe spaces for them to express themselves, including through NGOs and community support groups,' she added.
Nancy (seated centre) takes a group photo with guests and participants of the Family Captain Camp in Santubong. — Penerangan photo
Earlier in her speech at the Family Captain Camp, Nancy commended the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) for organising a programme focused on strengthening father-son relationships in conjunction with Father's Day celebrations.
She noted that in today's challenging modern world, fathers also face tremendous pressure but often bottled up their emotions without expressing them.
'The 2024 Father's Day Survey revealed that nine out of 10 fathers admit that being a father today is far more challenging than in the past.
'A father's role is not only in the home but also within the community. They must be listeners, protectors, and guides, especially in today's digital world,' she said.
Nancy also underscored the importance of parenting modules such as PEKA (Empowered Parenting) and KASIH Digital Parenting, which aim to build communication skills, emotional management, and cyber safety awareness among parents.
Among the activities that stood out at the camp were interactive sessions titled 'Know Your Father, Know Your Child' and 'KASIH Family Exploration', which provided meaningful bonding opportunities for fathers and their children.
Nancy also officiated the symbolic launch of the National Father's Day 2025 Kick-Off Celebration at the event. community mental health nancy shukri youth
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