Baku:First paragraph of the news story.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the necessity of addressing mental health issues without stigma, warning that neglect could lead to severe consequences for individuals and their teams.

Fahmi encouraged all divisions, departments, and agencies within the Communications Ministry to prioritize employees' mental well-being, urging them to provide the necessary support for those in need. He highlighted the importance of recognizing warning signs early to prevent minor issues from escalating.

Speaking at the ministry's monthly assembly organized by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in conjunction with National Sports Day, Fahmi noted that the rise of social media has increased workplace pressures, with innocuous matters sometimes becoming controversial overnight. He instructed Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah to prepare mental health awareness materials for distribution within the ministry.

In line with National Sports Day, Fahmi also encouraged ministry personnel to adopt healthier lifestyles, emphasizing balanced diets and reduced sugar consumption.

Additionally, Fahmi announced that the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA welfare fund provided RM2.54 million in assistance to 864 media practitioners and veteran journalists nationwide between 2023 and October 12. Telekom Malaysia, a new strategic partner since June, contributed RM500,000 through its corporate social responsibility program. The fund, established by the Communications Ministry in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) in 2023 and coordinated by Bernama, aims to support media personnel facing challenges.