Whole-of-community approach vital to destigmatise mental health challenges, says Sarawak youth minister
The state Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said such an approach was instrumental in encouraging those facing mental health problems to seek help.
"Mental health tends to be the issue that is left out because it is associated with a stigma in society.
"But for any illness or challenge, we need the whole community to make sure we can solve it, through our collective strength, wisdom and the willingness to help each other," he said when opening the Sarawak international conference on youth mental health here on Monday (July 28).
Rentap said his ministry was committed to engaging with stakeholders on addressing mental health issues.
He said these issues were becoming prevalent among youths, who may experience depression and anxiety related to social media use, cyberbullying and the fear of missing out.
"This conference is not merely a gathering of ideas; it is a call to action. Let's come up with a resolution and see how we can take this forward.
"By bringing together experts, scholars, youth leaders and policymakers under one roof, we are saying 'no more silence'.
"Let's build a better, healthier and more inclusive future for our youth," he said.
Rentap also called on the youth participants to speak up, learn from each other and make a difference.
"I hope this conference brings you more awareness about mental health and most of all, for you to have an ear to hear out your friends, be a shoulder to cry on and help one another," he said.
Themed "Driving Inclusivity in Youth Mental Wellness", the two-day conference was organised by the state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry in collaboration with the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES).
It aims to facilitate the exchange of research findings towards formulating an overview of youth mental health in Sarawak, which can subsequently be used as the main framework for addressing mental health issues among youths in the state.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
6 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Selangor Sultan launches cath lab named after pioneering cardiologist
SUBANG JAYA: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today launched the Datuk Setia Dr Anuar Masduki Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (cath lab) at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC). Also present was Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. The Cath Lab was named in honour of the late Dr Anuar, one of Malaysia's most respected cardiologists and a pioneering member of SJMC's founding medical team. Among his many contributions, he co-performed the country's first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 1983, followed by Malaysia's first coronary angioplasty in 1984. He also served as Sultan Sharafuddin's cardiologist and played a key role in shaping SJMC's reputation in cardiovascular care. The cath lab also coincides with SJMC's 40th anniversary celebration. Dr Anuar passed away on March 2. SJMC chief executive officer Bryan Lin in his speech said the cath lab began its operations in May, following an investment of RM14 million. "The cath lab represents more than just a space for treatment, it embodies our commitment to person-centred care and serves as a meaningful continuation of Dr Anuar's life's work. "It expands our ability to deliver personalised care through the diagnosis and treatment of complex heart conditions using minimally invasive techniques, including advanced angioplasty and electrophysiology. "Today, we have doubled the number of patients we diagnose and treat," said Lin, who is also the Asia OneHealthcare Regional chief executive officer. He added that equipped with the cutting-edge Philips Azurion 7 C20I FlexArm system, the cath lab sets a new benchmark in cardiac care. "Complementing the hospital's existing cath lab, this investment reinforces SJMC's commitment to delivering world-class care, offering a wider range of minimally invasive procedures, including advanced angioplasty and electrophysiology. "With two state-of-the-art angioplasty systems housed under one roof, this significantly enhances the hospital's capacity to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions. "Strategically located on the same floor as the Cardiac Ward and Coronary Care Unit (CCU), the new facility improves patient access, safety, recovery time, and clinical outcomes, doubling the number of patients who can now benefit from life-saving catheterisation services." Also in attendance were Tengku Panglima Raja Selangor Tengku Ahmad Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj; Hong Leong Group executive chairman and Asia OneHealthcare group board of directors chairman Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, as well as Dr Anuar's wife Datin Rohana Maimunah Ahmad Zaidi and son Dr Ainur Rahman.
Malay Mail
6 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Rebuilding Malaysia's house of care by using AI in RMK13 — David Chang and Sean Thum
AUGUST 2 — Malaysia is rebuilding our national house of care, and this time, we must do it right. After decades of wear and tear, our health systems need structural repair. The 13th Malaysia Plan, or RMK13, unveiled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, gives us the blueprint. It outlines a vision for a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Malaysia. Artificial intelligence is one of the tools that can help us get there. RMK13 rests on three pillars. First, raising the floor, so no one is left behind. Second, raising the ceiling, to push Malaysia into high-growth and high-value industries. Third, strengthening the foundations that hold everything together, through better governance and more responsive institutions. Nowhere is this transformation more urgent than in healthcare. Our clinics are overcrowded. Healthcare workers are stretched. Rural communities still face gaps in access. At the same time, our healthcare workers are carrying enormous pressure, often without the tools or support they need. If healthcare is the room in which the rakyat most often encounters the state, then it must be livable, accessible, and built to last. Raising the floor in health means improving services for the rakyat. Everyone, from elderly to children, from rural to urban, deserves reliable and timely care. It also means protecting the well-being of those who provide that care. AI can help achieve both. Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for doctors or nurses, but it can help ease their load. For example, natural language tools can write patient notes or summarise medical histories. This gives health workers more time to focus on patients. AI can also help screen for diseases early. Malaysia's own Dr Mata system already uses AI to detect diabetic eye disease in thousands of patients. These tools bring care closer to where people live. A nurse in a rural clinic, equipped with a simple tablet and an AI app, can perform eye scans, triage symptoms, or follow up with patients more effectively. This is what it means to use AI to raise the floor. We are not replacing human care, but extending its reach. Raising the ceiling means taking bold steps toward a more innovative healthcare system. Across the world, hospitals are using AI to detect heart conditions, spot tumours in scans, and even advise on treatments for rare diseases. These tools are not perfect. The author notes that Malaysia should become a place where medical innovation is both exported and accessible to our own people. . — AFP pic A homegrown health AI sector could also create new jobs and raise our global profile. Malaysia should become a place where medical innovation is both exported and accessible to our own people. The third pillar of RMK13 is good governance. In health, this means making systems that are efficient, transparent, and trusted. Right now, too many processes in our hospitals are slow or repetitive. Doctors spend hours on forms and paperwork. Patients are referred between departments with missing or incomplete records. AI can help streamline these tasks. It can automate basic documentation, manage patient flow, and support scheduling. These may seem like small improvements, but together they free up time, reduce mistakes, and make the system more responsive. One of the clearest priorities under RMK13 is building a single lifelong health record for each citizen. One person, one record. This is essential if AI tools are to work well. But it also improves care in general. With complete and accurate records, doctors can make faster, safer decisions. With better data, public health responses can be more targeted and effective. For this to work, we need strong data governance and clear safeguards. Health information is sensitive. Malaysians must trust that their records are safe, and that AI will be used to help, not harm. All of this depends on people. No technology can run itself. If we want AI to support healthcare, we must first support our healthcare workers. This includes fair pay, better career pathways, and continuous training. It also includes recognising and retaining the talent we already have. The 'Made by Malaysia' slogan is not just about products. It is about people. We cannot lead in AI or health if we continue to lose our best minds to burnout or emigration. Talent is our foundation. RMK13 gives us the chance to rebuild healthcare with purpose. Artificial intelligence is just one tool. But if we use it wisely, we can build a system that is more efficient, more humane, and more ready for the challenges ahead. This is our shared house. Let us build it so that no one is left waiting at the door. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
XIXILI Empowers Nursing Mothers with Expert Advice by Ricca Tai
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 August 2025 - In commemoration of Breastfeeding Week 2025, XIXILI shows its commitment to inclusivity by collaborating with Ricca Tai, a licensed pharmacist with a special focus on mothercare, post-natal wellness, and breastfeeding support, to provide expert breastfeeding advice for mothers. 'Breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly for new mothers learning how to express milk comfortably and effectively,' says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. 'It's a deeply personal journey that requires patience, support, and the right tools to ensure both mother and baby feel nurtured throughout the experience.' According to Grace, XIXILI remains dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers with thoughtfully designed nursing bras that prioritise comfort, functionality, and confidence. This combined initiative with Ricca Tai reflects the brand's ethos of empowering mothers with products that support their needs during this important stage of life. Expert Advice For New Mothers When it comes to breastfeeding, Ricca advises that women obtain an accurate measurement of their nipples to help determine the correct breast shield size, which significantly impacts comfort and milk output. She advises measuring the nipple diameter (excluding the areola) in millimetres after breastfeeding or pumping and adding 2–4 mm to determine the appropriate flange size. A poorly fitted shield may cause discomfort, reduced milk flow, or nipple damage. The Importance of Nursing Bras & Breast Pumps Maintaining proper posture can enhance the pumping experience. An upright, well-supported position with relaxed shoulders is recommended. Hands-free pumping bras or dual-function nursing bras can help keep flanges securely in place, reducing arm strain and allowing mothers to focus on other tasks. Ricca further states that techniques such as applying warm compresses, gentle massage, and maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby can also support milk let-down. When selecting a breast pump, she notes that lifestyle requirements should guide the decision. Manual or single electric pumps are suitable for occasional use, whereas double electric or hospital-grade pumps are ideal for regular pumping. For mothers who value discretion and mobility, wearable, hands-free pumps with quiet operation and leak-proof designs are practical options. XIXILI's Innovative Designs For Breastfeeding Mothers The Ultra Soft Pansy Maternity Nursing Bra is designed to offer both comfort and practicality for new mothers. This seamless maternity bra is ideal for wearing at home or on casual days out, providing a wire-free, high-coverage fit. Crafted with ultra-soft, stretchy knitted fabric, it features removable cup pads for optional shaping and coverage, a breathable centre mesh panel for better ventilation, and a wide, snug elastic band under the bust for lasting comfort. The U-shape back wing, adjustable shoulder straps, and three-panel hook fastening offer reliable support, while easy-access clips allow breastfeeding with just one hand. By combining thoughtful design with comfort and elegance, XIXILI's nursing bra and bralette collections are crafted to help mothers feel both supported and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey. The collections are available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. For more information, visit XIXILI's official website. Hashtag: #XIXILI The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
