PETALING JAYA — Several professionals have spoken out about the adverse effects of workplace stress and bullying on their mental health, highlighting the need for stronger support systems in Malaysia’s public sector. Their experiences underscore ongoing concerns about workload pressures and psychological distress faced by civil servants, teachers, and healthcare workers.

Dr J, a medical officer who requested anonymity, recounted his difficult housemanship experience at a government hospital, where long hours and workplace bullying pushed him to the brink of self-harm. “The pressure became so overwhelming,” he said, adding that a subsequent transfer to another hospital significantly improved his mental well-being.

Similar challenges were described by a government officer identified only as K, who said his workload became increasingly unmanageable over the course of about a year. Despite numerous pending assignments, he was continuously assigned additional tasks, resulting in loss of appetite and social withdrawal. K sought professional help after recognising these signs.

A secondary school teacher, using the pseudonym Cal, reported comparable struggles related to psychological stress. After being relocated to a school in her hometown, she experienced an improvement in her condition.

Fouzi Singon, secretary-general of the National Union of the Teaching Profession, pointed to multiple factors contributing to mental health issues among educators. He cited posting-related problems, family pressures, emotional strain, and heavy workloads as significant contributors. In response, Fouzi called for enhanced collaboration between the Education and Health ministries, as well as specialised training for school leaders and department heads to better identify and manage these issues.

Fouzi also recommended the introduction of a formal mechanism allowing teachers who are medically certified as psychologically unfit to undergo extended medical leave—similar to provisions available for serious physical illnesses like cancer. He suggested a period of up to two years to enable affected educators to receive treatment, after which authorities could assess their readiness to return to the classroom.

“When a teacher is psychologically unable to teach, there will be a negative effect on the students. It becomes a chain reaction,” Fouzi noted.

Various support services are available for those experiencing mental health difficulties or suicidal thoughts. These include the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service, Talian Kasih, Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre, and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, which offer helplines and counselling resources nationwide.