THE Health Ministry is stepping up mental health screening and early intervention in schools as part of efforts to address suicidal behaviour among students, particularly those affected by bullying.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to strengthen counselling services, improve early detection and provide timely intervention for students showing signs of distress.
“We are carrying out various awareness and literacy activities to raise awareness on this issue,” he said after launching the national-level World Self-harm Prevention Day, themed “Change the Narrative, Ignite Hope”, at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA in Meru.
Dr Dzulkefly said the government had also launched the national anti-bullying policy, which provides a framework to address bullying and strengthen support for those affected.
He said school counselling services would be enhanced to include screening, early detection of behavioural changes and early intervention.
“This is important. We want to ensure that issues are detected early and that appropriate support is provided.”
Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry would also deploy its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team to assist affected students, schools and communities.
He said the team would conduct interventions and outreach programmes based on the needs of those affected.
“The School Health Programme is also important, particularly in terms of mental health literacy and awareness.”
He said the ministry aimed to create a more inclusive and positive school environment that would enable students to develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.
Dzulkefly also stressed the importance of strategic risk communication when addressing suicidal behaviour, saying such issues must be communicated carefully and sensitively.
He said inaccurate or poorly handled communication could have unintended negative consequences.
He stressed that addressing suicidal behaviour among students also required cooperation between multiple agencies.
It was reported earlier that a total of 518 suicide crisis cases involving suicidal ideation and suicide attempts have been assisted through the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline, HEAL 15555, over the past four years.
Dr Dzulkefly said 347 cases involving suicidal ideation had received intervention, while 171 suicide attempts were referred for hospital treatment after the activation of MERS999, with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and hospital emergency departments.
“Some 171 suicide attempts were referred by activating MERS999, with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Emergency Departments, and they were successfully brought to hospital to receive treatment,” he said.
He said the hotline, formerly known as the Psychosocial Support Services Helpline launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, had received 267,873 calls during the same period.
Of these, 220,856 callers, or 82%, received emotional support, while 47,014, or 18%, received specific intervention from counselling psychology officers.
Dr Dzulkefly said the annual increase in calls reflected growing public awareness of the service and the availability of support for people facing mental health difficulties. - September 29, 2026
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