MENTAL HEALTH, FOOD SAFETY, PHARMACEUTICALS AMONG HIGHLIGHTS AT AHMM 2026 - DZULKEFLY

BANGI, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Issues surrounding mental health, food safety and quality and pharmaceuticals will be highlighted at the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) in 2026, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said that the meeting would address the role of all segments of society, particularly counsellors and family doctors, in assisting those affected by mental health challenges.

"Regarding pharmaceuticals, we will explore how to harness the collective strength of ASEAN, particularly in terms of medication pricing and the development of clinical research. 

"For food safety and quality, the meeting will focus on how nutritional content affects health because from time to time, we notice problems of food poisoning and excessive food additives," he said, adding that the ASEAN platform is required to tackle these serious issues.

He spoke to reporters after opening today's Regional Counselling Convention 2024 (RISE) themed 'Bridging Wellbeing and Work' here. The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, was also present.

Dzulkefly said the AHMM will also address non-communicable diseases, which have become a major global health issue.

Organised by the International Counselling Association of Malaysia from today until Saturday, RISE gathers experts from across the ASEAN region to discuss mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Dzulkefly called on public and private organisations to create conducive working conditions to produce productive workers who are physically and mentally sound.

He said employers must also create an open space for discussion for employees having problems or symptoms of depression to prevent them from facing more severe issues.  

"Organisations must have a mutually rewarding and beneficial relationship between employers and employees. If employers do not understand the needs of their employees, the workers will experience burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression, and ultimately, it is the employers who will bear the losses," he added.

-- BERNAMA