KUALA LUMPUR: Some 55,169 civil servants have been identified as being at high risk of poor mental wellbeing, with the Public Service Department (JPA) moving to strengthen psychological support across the civil service
Referencing the Digital Psychological Health Profiling System, JPA director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the figures also comprised civil servants who were at risk of taking their own lives
He said JPA was currently developing mental health guidelines for the civil service as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of its workforce
In tandem, he said a Happiness Index for civil servants would also be introduced
“This will allow us to measure and evaluate the mental wellbeing of the civil service comprehensively,” he said when officiating the Conference of Civil Service Psychology Officers 2026 here on Monday (Sept 21)
His speech was delivered by JPA deputy director-general (development) Datuk Mohd Bakhari Ismail
Wan Ahmad Dahlan further stressed that measures to improve psychological wellbeing must be seen as a strategic investment to ensure Malaysians, especially the civil service who serve as the country’s administrative backbone, remain efficient, responsive and resilient
“Psychological support helps civil servants manage work stress, build emotional resilience and stay motivated to complete their tasks,” he said
He added that these efforts do not necessarily incur high costs
“Instead, we can employ simple, practical and high-impact approaches, including through strategic cooperation with others
“This allows us to not only expand psychological support but also contribute to the improved wellbeing and quality of the workforce,” he said, also calling on heads of departments to ensure the presence of a support system to look after the wellbeing and welfare of staff
Wan Ahmad Dahlan also said the benefits of investing in mental wellbeing could be translated into improved economic earnings for the country
“When measuring a country’s progress and prosperity, we often focus on numbers related to growth, investment and productivity
“However, we must acknowledge that true success is not solely tied to economic strength but also the wellbeing of its people,” he said
“Efforts to empower psychological wellbeing must focus not only on stress management but also on prevention aspects alongside strengthening individuals themselves,” he added
He added that JPA was also studying ways to ensure the Psychology Service Scheme remained relevant and adapted to change
“At the same time, competency and professional development programmes are being emphasised, including through offering professional certifications and preparing career pathways that are in line with the current demands of psychology services,” he said
He said JPA was also empowering academic development through the Swadaya programme, specifically to increase the number of Psychology Officers with degree qualifications
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my
