The ministry of education (moe) has urged schools to carry out immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health issues to ensure their welfare and safety continue to be safeguarded. education minister fadhlina sidek emphasized the importance of school and parental involvement in supporting children facing such challenges.:he Ministry of Education (MOE) has urged schools to carry out immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health issues to ensure their welfare and safety continue to be safeguarded. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized the importance of school and parental involvement in supporting children facing such challenges.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina highlighted the ministry's initiatives, which include conducting mental health screening interventions and strengthening the capacity of school counsellors. She stressed the necessity for school counsellors to intervene promptly whenever signs of mental health problems are observed. Her remarks were made during a press conference after launching the MADANI Furniture Initiative and the KALVI MADANI programme at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Jalan Yahya Awal.
Fadhlina's comments followed the tragic case of a Form Four female student who passed away at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. In response to such incidents, the ministry had increased the frequency of the Healthy Mind Screening programme to twice a year, aiming for early detection of students exhibiting signs of depression or those needing additional support.
The Safe School Management Guidelines and the School Student Protection Policy, introduced by the MOE, are mandatory for school administrators to implement. These measures are part of the ministry's efforts to prioritize student safety and welfare.
In June, Fadhlina mentioned that these guidelines would serve as a reference for all educational institutions under the MOE. They outline the responsibilities of schools, teachers, and stakeholders in ensuring the protection and well-being of students.