55,169 civil servants at high risk highlight need for stronger mental health support, says Psima
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Psychological Association (Psima) said warning that 55,169 civil servants are at high risk of mental health problems highlights a critical shortage of public service psychological infrastructure to intervene early.
Psima president Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali said the figure serves as a warning that public sector mental health support must move beyond screening.
“This finding is not merely a number but an important signal that the psychological wellbeing of the national workforce requires systematic, comprehensive and continuous attention,” he said.
He noted that screening through the Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profile System (MyPsyD) was only the entry point. When individuals are identified as being at risk, the system must have the capacity to ensure further assessment, early intervention, professional referral and monitoring can be carried out quickly and effectively.
Shazli said attention should also be given to moderate-risk groups, adding that workplace conditions – such as workload, leadership, organisational culture and work-life balance – play a major role in psychological wellbeing.
“We do not only need to build resilient individuals but also organisations that are psychologically healthy,” he said.
The statement follows reports on Sept 30 that 55,169 civil servants screened through MyPsyD were categorised as high-risk, including those exhibiting suicidal behaviour.
Deputy Public Service directorgeneral (Development) Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail said the number showed the need to strengthen psychological wellbeing across the civil service.
The Public Service Department is developing Public Service Mental Health Guidelines and plans to introduce a Civil Servants Happiness Index.
Shazli said Psima supports elevating psychology services into a key driver of human resource development, backing initiatives for career advancement, continuous training, stronger staffing, professional recognition and officer welfare.
Additionally, the association views the proposed Psychology Centre of Excellence at the National Institute of Public Administration as a crucial catalyst for research, training, literacy and expertise across the public sector.
However, Shazli said the country needs a broader agenda through a National Psychological Infrastructure linking professionals, competencies, ethical standards, research, data, screening, intervention and referral systems under one structured ecosystem.
“55,169 is not just a number. It is a signal for systemic change, from screening to intervention, from intervention to prevention, and from separate programmes to a strong National Psychological Infrastructure.
“Psima is ready to work with the Public Service Department and the government as a strategic partner,” he added.
