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KUALA LUMPUR - Psychological wellbeing should be recognised as a workplace safety and occupational health priority in the public service, alongside measures to protect employees from physical hazards, according to the Alliance for a Safe Community (Ikatan).
In a statement, Ikatan said the move is vital due to recent disclosure that 55,169 civil servants were identified through the Digital Psychological Health Profiling System for Civil Servants (MyPsyD) as being in the high-risk category for mental health concerns, including risks associated with suicidal behaviour.
It noted that although this figure represents less than one per cent of the 1.7 million civil servants nationwide, it serves as a serious warning that mental health could no longer be regarded as a private matter or secondary concern within the public service.
However, Ikatan stressed that the screening results must be interpreted responsibly, as being categorised as "high risk" does not necessarily indicate a clinical diagnosis of a mental disorder.
"Instead, it is a warning signal that should prompt timely, confidential and appropriate support, assessment and intervention," the statement read.
According to the statement, Ikatan welcomed initiatives by the Public Service Department (JPA) to strengthen psychological support, develop mental health guidelines for the civil service and introduce a Happiness Index, but said these measures must be translated into practical action at every ministry, department and government agency.
Among the priorities proposed by Ikatan is making early intervention the norm, with officers identified as being at risk receiving confidential, professional and timely support, including appropriate referral for further assessment where necessary.
"Second, managers and heads of departments should also be trained to recognise warning signs and respond appropriately to stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, workplace bullying and other psychosocial risks without stigmatising or punishing affected employees, it said.
Ikatan said mental health should also be incorporated into workplace safety and occupational health programmes, with psychological hazards assessed alongside physical hazards, while confidentiality and trust should be prioritised to ensure civil servants feel safe seeking help without fear of compromising their careers, reputation or employment prospects.
At the same time, prevention should receive as much attention as treatment, with factors such as workload, long working hours, workplace bullying, inadequate staffing, poor work-life balance and organisational culture examined where they contributed to psychological distress.
Ikatan also proposed that every ministry and agency establish a clear mental health action plan, including access to trained psychological support, peer-support mechanisms, regular psychosocial risk assessments and clear pathways for urgent intervention.
The organisation called for a whole-of-government approach in which psychological wellbeing becomes an integral part of a safe, healthy and resilient public service. - BERNAMA
