Kota Kinabalu: Sabah police personnel have been urged to discard the stigma surrounding counselling services and seek psychological support amid the demanding nature of policing duties in the State.
Sabah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department Head SAC Datuk Mohd Azhar Hamin said mental wellbeing was crucial in ensuring operational excellence within the force.
He encouraged officers and staff to fully use counselling and support services provided during the Sabah Contingent Financial Management, Estate Administration, Welfare and Psychology Management Carnival.
Azhar also reminded members of the force to improve financial literacy and manage their finances wisely to avoid future hardship involving debts, inheritance and wills.
He said poor financial planning could place unnecessary burdens on family members and loved ones.
Azhar further highlighted the importance of safeguarding the welfare of police personnel, including accommodation, medical treatment and work-related needs.
He said this during the closing ceremony of the carnival held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters (IPD KK) Multipurpose Hall, on Wednesday.
Also present was Sabah Management Department Head SAC Datuk Ahsmon Bajah, while nearly 500 officers, personnel and civil servants attended the programme.