Santubong: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is taking a more aggressive stance in tackling youth mental health issues by rolling out a series of early intervention initiatives, including mobile counselling services and local community support centres. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is deeply concerned about the rising incidence of mental health struggles among young people and is committed to providing accessible support through programmes that involve collaboration with parents, schools and community organisations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the key efforts is deploying counselling buses to targeted areas, making it easier for youths to access psychological support. Many are unaware that they are struggling until they are given an outlet, for example, through art therapy like drawing, which can reveal suppressed emotional distress. Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Kem Kapten Keluarga (Family Captain Camp) in Santubong, Nancy stressed that recent tragedies involving adolescents underscore the urgent need for early intervention.
Nancy cited a recent case in Melaka where a Form Five student allegedly killed his mother and elder brother. In addition to supporting youth, the ministry is promoting healthier family dynamics through initiatives such as 'second honeymoon' programmes for married couples and parenting awareness sessions for new parents.
The family camp, held in conjunction with the National Father's Day celebration, was organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and attended by LPPKN chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. Nancy also urged the public to overcome stigma around mental health and to speak up or seek help when in need.
In Sarawak, for example, there are many forms of support available for students and communities. Nancy emphasized the importance of communication, whether with a friend, a relative or someone trusted. In her speech, she highlighted the growing demands placed on fathers in today's fast-paced society, where emotional, intellectual and social involvement is expected alongside traditional roles.
Quoting findings from the 2024 Father's Day Public Opinion Survey, Nancy noted that nine out of ten fathers admitted that parenting today is far more challenging than in previous generations. The top concerns among fathers are the high cost of living at 84.4 per cent, and the struggle to maintain work-life balance, 72.9 per cent.