February 11, 2025
PETALING JAYA – With over 40,000 civil servants identified as being at high risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal behaviour, interest groups say a better support system, including expanding the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS), is necessary.
The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for PSSS’ full support to aid civil servants facing work-related stress.
Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the initiative could provide vital psychosocial assistance to vulnerable groups, including civil servants, but noted a lack of awareness of the service.“Awareness among civil servants of the PSSS is still low.
“To ensure more civil servants benefit from these services, we need more aggressive awareness campaigns and the placement of PSSS information in every government agency to ensure more civil servants can access the support they need.
“There should also be collaboration with public-sector employers to introduce PSSS services as part of employee welfare initiatives,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Adnan noted that the PSSS can be instrumental in addressing these challenges, provided it is expanded and optimised.
“Permanent PSSS should be set up in strategic locations such as government complexes, hospitals and city centres.”
He also stressed the importance of confidentiality for users in order to prevent stigma.
“There should be special counselling sessions for civil servants conducted by counsellors familiar with public sector work stress, as well as early intervention through regular mental health screenings to detect and address issues before they worsen,” he said.
When asked, Adnan pinpointed several factors contributing to mental health issues among civil servants, including heavy workloads caused by pressure to meet key performance indicators, understaffing and rising job demands.
“Others included financial stress due to higher cost of living, workplace conflicts, work-life imbalance and job uncertainty,” he said.
To address these issues, Adnan said, Cuepacs recommends comprehensive support systems such as onsite counselling, safe complaint channels, work flexibility, mental health treatment subsidies and regular training.
“The mental health of civil servants must be a government priority as it directly impacts public service performance,” he said, adding that ministries, the Public Service Department and trade unions should work together.
PSSS, a National Welfare Foundation (YKN) initiative, offers holistic psychosocial support, including guidance and counselling services for the community.
When contacted, a YKN spokesperson said 208 programmes were conducted last year through its PSSS.
YKN has six mobile PSSS based on geographical zones, and two premises in Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan.
The PSSS have received referrals for cases involving mental health, cost of living, sexual harassment, education, financial issues, welfare aid, domestic violence and family problems, among others.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (Miasa) Malaysia founder and president Anita Abu Bakar said PSSS can help high-risk civil servants receive early intervention.
“The initiative is a positive and progressive step in addressing complex mental health and social issues, offering emotional support and early intervention, particularly among vulnerable groups and the homeless,” she said.
She highlighted the collaborative efforts among the government, NGOs and employers, adding that “mental health is a shared responsibility”.
Anita also called for the initiative to be expanded to more locations nationwide to ensure wider access to necessary services.
“PSSS has the potential to strengthen public awareness of mental health, particularly through more community-friendly services,” she said.
“It’s important to integrate educational programmes and crisis intervention training to increase mental health awareness.
“Mental health efforts must be comprehensive and ongoing, requiring continuous commitment from all stakeholders.”