Malaysia identifies 55,000 high-risk civil servants in mental health screening

A national mental health screening using the MyPsyD digital profiling system has identified 55,169 Malaysian civil servants as being at high risk for mental health issues, including suicidal tendencies. While this figure represents less than one percent of the country’s 1.7 million civil servants, officials and advocacy groups are calling for urgent action.

Bakhari Ismail, deputy director-general of the Public Services Department (JPA), stated that strengthening psychological wellbeing is a strategic investment necessary for maintaining an efficient and resilient public service. The JPA is currently developing mental health guidelines for the civil service and plans to introduce a happiness index to evaluate psychological wellbeing across the sector.

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community (Ikatan), emphasized that mental health must be treated as a workplace safety and occupational health priority. He noted that a ‘high risk’ classification serves as a warning signal for timely intervention rather than a clinical diagnosis. He urged for practical implementation across all government agencies, focusing on early intervention, manager training, and ensuring confidentiality.