BULLYING, FAMILY ISSUES AMONG MAIN FACTORS BEHIND 2,777 MENTAL HEALTH CASES IN JOHOR

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Bullying, family conflicts, economic stress, genetic factors, and trauma have been identified as among the main causes behind 2,777 individuals in Johor seeking follow-up mental health treatment at government health clinics between January and August this year.

Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut@Ahmad said the Johor Bahru district recorded the highest number of patients, with 641 individuals receiving treatment during the period.

He said that of the total number of patients, 1,140 individuals were referred for further assessment after undergoing the mental health screening.

“Meanwhile, 118 cases were referred to hospitals for further evaluation and treatment,” he told reporters after officiating the Mentari Johor Bahru and the 2025 World Mental Health Day here today.

Also present was Sultanah Aminah Hospital’s (HSA) Psychiatry and Mental Health Department head Dr Marina Abd Rahman Sabri.

Dr Mohtar said the reported rise in mental health cases reflects an increasing need to improve access to mental health services for the public.

He said treatment centres such as Mentari, operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Health (MOH), play a vital role in offering a range of mental health services to the community.

“Mentari provides a community-friendly space for treatment, recovery, and psychosocial interventions, and plays an important role in ensuring that mental health services remain accessible, including during times of crisis,” he said.

He also urged members of the public who require emotional or psychological support to make use of the available mental health helplines, such as the HEAL Line 15555, KASIH Line 15999, and Befrienders.

-- BERNAMA