Penang state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace, particularly among civil servants, during remarks delivered in George Town. Highlighting that mental well-being is as critical as physical health, Gooi called on department leaders, supervisors, and colleagues to foster a supportive, stigma-free environment for employees seeking mental health assistance.

Gooi underscored the need to maintain confidentiality for those seeking help and encouraged management to consider broader psychosocial and organizational factors that may impact employees’ mental health. He referenced data from the Digital Psychological Health Profiling System for Civil Servants (MyPsyD), which indicated that 334 out of 8,681 civil servants in Penang were identified as requiring additional mental health support.

For individuals flagged as high-risk through the MyPsyD screening, the Public Service Department has established intervention and referral processes in collaboration with the Health Ministry. Those assessed as stable may be directed to Health Ministry clinics for further evaluation and treatment, while individuals in crisis receive immediate care at the nearest hospital. Support services include counseling and psychotherapy, with follow-up tailored to individual needs.

Gooi stressed that participating in the MyPsyD screening should not be viewed as a form of labeling, explaining that further assessments are conducted to determine the appropriate level of care. He noted that the state government is committed to addressing mental health among civil servants, recognizing its impact on employees, their families, workplace wellbeing, and public service effectiveness.

Since 2024, Penang has operated the Penang Mental Health Committee, a collaborative body involving various government departments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations. This committee aims to enhance coordination and resource sharing in the mental health sector.

In addition to screening and referral services, Gooi pointed to the Health Ministry’s HEAL 15555 mental health hotline, staffed by psychology officers and available from 8 a.m. to midnight daily, including public holidays, providing emotional and psychosocial support. Community-based services also exist through Mentari Malaysia, which operates two centers in Penang—Mentari Butterworth and Mentari Penang—offering accessible mental health assistance beyond the workplace.

The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring early intervention and comprehensive support for civil servants facing mental health challenges, advocating a collective approach to eliminating stigma in the workplace.