KPWKM Intensifies Mental Health Support For Youth Through Multiple Initiatives

KUCHING, June 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is taking a more aggressive stance in tackling youth mental health issues by rolling out a series of early intervention initiatives, including mobile counselling services and local community support centres.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is deeply concerned about the rising incidence of mental health struggles among young people and is committed to providing accessible support through programmes that involve collaboration with parents, schools and community organisations.
"One of our key efforts is deploying counselling buses to targeted areas, making it easier for youths to access psychological support. Many are unaware that they are struggling until they are given an outlet, for example, through art therapy like drawing, which can reveal suppressed emotional distress," she said.
Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Kem Kapten Keluarga (Family Captain Camp) in Santubong here today, Nancy stressed that recent tragedies involving adolescents underscore the urgent need for early intervention.
She cited a recent case in Melaka where a Form Five student allegedly killed his mother and elder brother.
In addition to supporting youth, the ministry is promoting healthier family dynamics through initiatives such as 'second honeymoon' programmes for married couples and parenting awareness sessions for new parents, she said.
The family camp, held in conjunction with the National Father's Day celebration, was organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and attended by LPPKN chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
Nancy also urged the public to overcome stigma around mental health and to speak up or seek help when in need.
'In Sarawak, for example, there are many forms of support available for students and communities. What matters most is to talk, whether it is with a friend, a relative or someone you trust,' she said.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

7 hours ago

• The Star

EPF health insurance scheme a voluntary bid

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be volun­tary and not mandatory for members, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The Health Minister said the initiative aims to offer EPF contributors the option of broader insurance cove­rage, as currently, 32% of healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. 'Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people,' he said in a Facebook post yesterday. Dzulkefly added that the proposal draws inspiration from countries like Singapore, which prioritise insurance access for the majority of citizens. 'Only about 1% of Account 2 of the EPF would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way,' he added, Bernama reported.

Barnama

17 hours ago

• Barnama

Three More Malaysian Pilgrims Die In Makkah, Total Now 19

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Three more Malaysian pilgrims have died in the Holy City of Makkah, bringing the total number of deaths to date to 19. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the latest fatalities involved pilgrims from Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor; Tanah Rata, Pahang; and Butterworth, Penang. He said Abd Wahab Yahaya, 63, from Selangor, passed away at 4.50 pm yesterday (June 19) at Hotel Al-Mubarak in Shisha due to a heart attack.

Barnama

21 hours ago

• Barnama

NCCM 2025: MOH To Focus On Lung Health Prevention And AI

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is entering the final phase of its National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021–2025, with a renewed focus on strengthening cancer prevention, early detection and sustainable financing. In this regard Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the three-day National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2025, jointly organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Sunway University starting today, is aligned with the ministry's plan in charting the next chapter of the strategic plan for cancer which is more data-driven, inclusive and forward-looking approach. 'Cancer remains one of the most pressing and devastating challenges in our fight against the pandemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 'According to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, we now record over 169,000 reported cancer cases, an increase of 47 per cent from the previous cycle. The lifetime risk of cancer has also increased to one in eight Malaysians,' he said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of NCCM 2025 themed 'Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives', at Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, here today. Dzulkefly said in response to the rising threat of lung cancer, the ministry introduced the Lung Health Initiative during last year's NCCM which is currently among the top three most common cancers in Malaysia and a leading cause of death. He said Malaysia led the way on the global stage in cancer prevention and early detection with the adoption of the global resolution entitled Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), co-sponsored by 15 other WHO member states. 'This is a historic milestone not just for Malaysia, but for global public health. It reflects our belief in a whole-of-planet approach for lung health that integrates prevention, digital innovation, and people-centred care. 'Implementation is already underway, across six states namely Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being utilised for chest X-rays in selected health clinics and government hospitals for interpretation, improving accuracy and accelerating early detection for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses,' he said. Dzulkefly also commended National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for extending the effort through mobile AI X-ray units, which help screen underserved communities and workers in industrial settings.