Regular communication with families allows a collaborative approach to support the child's mental wellbeing

Opinion
15 Oct 2026 • 5:00 PM MYT
Zulkifly Baharom
Zulkifly Baharom

An HR practitioner, Sejahtera Leadership Coach & Gusi Peace Prize Laureate.

Image from: Regular communication with families allows a collaborative approach to support the child's mental wellbeing
Its primary purpose is to inform parents of the school's child protection, safety & wellbeing. Pix: Yazdi

As a former Chairman of Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of several primary and secondary schools and currently as a grandfather of five grandkids, I am pleased to learn that for Budget 2027, the Ministry of Education (MOE) being allocated almost M69 billion, up from RM66.2 billion this year, with priority for students and teachers. In line with the overarching MADANI theme “Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values,” the MOE's priorities are strictly focused on upgrading school infrastructure, includes students facilities and teachers' rooms, following the successful nationwide repair of toilets, canteens & prayer rooms. The outcome is bolstering direct teacher wellbeing moving to unburden clerical duties so they can focus on their core teaching responsibilities.

Image from: Regular communication with families allows a collaborative approach to support the child's mental wellbeing
Emphasizing diversity in schools shifts the educational focus from merely “tolerating” differences to actively valuing strengths. Pix: Yazdi

Whilst sharing info with my colleague, Yazdi J. Bankwala, COO Sejahtera Leadership Initiative (SLI) who is currently working and residing in London, about the fundamentals of Malaysia's Budget 2027, I understand from him, “In recent years, supporting student mental health has become a critical focus in education. Mental health directly impacts students' ability to learn, engage with their peers, and develop essential life skills. Teachers know how to identify, support & nurture their students' mental wellbeing as an integral part of creating a healthy & effective learning environment.”

Image from: Regular communication with families allows a collaborative approach to support the child's mental wellbeing
Implementing a “Positive Word of the Day” routine by teachers is a high-impact literacy while intentionally cultivating a harmonious environment among the students. Pix: Yazdi

Thus, it remind me of the on-going notable school and hostel bully and murder cases in Malaysia, that I wish MOE can emphasize the importance of addressing student mental health within teacher teaching responsibilities. I believe that teachers in collaboration with parents & PIBG play a pivotal role in supporting the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their students. I know students with mental health concerns are at a higher risk for academic challenges, social difficulties & long-term emotional issues. By resolving student mental health, teachers can make a significant impact on students' academic performance, emotional growth & resilience. Given the growing recognition of its importance, teachers & schools must take a proactive approach to mental health awareness.


Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

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