Malaysia is developing a workplace mental health policy to strengthen employee well-being and improve access to mental health support, as more than 55,000 civil servants have been identified as being at high risk of mental health issues, including suicidal tendencies.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Health Minister said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is working with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and other relevant agencies to develop the policy, which is currently undergoing stakeholder consultations, according to Bernama.
“This process requires broader consultation before the policy can be finalised, to prevent it from being implemented in isolation without sufficient coordination between agencies,” he said at a press conference following the National-Level World Mental Health Month 2026 celebration.
Workplace mental health policy under consultation
The proposed policy aims to establish a coordinated approach to workplace mental health, with input from relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
Dzulkefly said the consultation process was necessary to ensure the policy addresses the needs of different groups and is implemented through coordinated efforts.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting employee well-being alongside professional responsibilities.
“The demand for professionalism should not come at the expense of the sanity and well-being of our own workforce,” he said.
The findings from the Civil Servants’ Psychological Health Digital Profile System (MyPsyD) have highlighted the scale of mental health risks among public sector employees, with more than 55,000 civil servants identified as being at high risk, including those showing suicidal tendencies.
Alongside the policy development, MOH is expanding access to mental health services through 1,116 government health clinics nationwide, hospitals and community-based services, including Community Mental Health Centres (MENTARI).
Malaysia has approximately 700 registered psychiatrists, of whom 400 serve within the ministry, according to Dzulkefly.
Dzulkefly also said, "The involvement of different categories of healthcare professionals would help people access assistance and early intervention without relying solely on psychiatrists."
Focus on early intervention and employee well-being
The government's approach combines wider access to mental health services with efforts to address psychological well-being in the workplace.
By involving multiple agencies in developing the workplace policy, MOH aims to ensure that employee mental health is addressed through a coordinated framework rather than isolated initiatives.
The findings from MyPsyD also underscore the importance of identifying mental health risks early, particularly among employees facing professional demands and workplace pressures.
The policy remains under consultation, with further details on its implementation yet to be announced.