BERNAMA'S AKRAB COMMITS TO STRENGTHENING STAFF MENTAL HEALTH WITH PROACTIVE SUPPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) Public Service Counselling Associates (AKRAB) is a highly active and committed team, implementing programmes at both the agency and Ministry of Communication levels.

Bernama’s chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said numerous programmes are planned annually to ensure AKRAB fulfils its function of fostering a harmonious work environment and supporting the mental, physical and social well-being of its officers.

“Mental health issues within the civil service remain a key focus. According to a report on the results of the public service digital psychological health profiling system from March to December 2024, a total of 44,901 civil servants who underwent screening were identified as high-risk.

“Their mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse and behavioural issues, including suicide,” she said at the closing of the 2025 AKRAB Open Day at Wisma Bernama today.

Her speech was delivered by the head of Management and Finance Services, Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, who is also deputy chairperson of Bernama's AKRAB.

Also present were Bernama head of Commercial Mastura Hassan, head of Strategic Planning Division Harlina Samson and head of Bernama Radio Azlan Idris.

Nur-ul Afida said this high-risk group represents 4.6 percent of the approximately 975,780 civil servants who underwent the screening.

"The government, through the Public Service Department (JPA), takes this matter seriously and has developed MyPsyD to identify the psychological health of officers and take the necessary steps to assist them," she said.

Furthermore, she noted that AKRAB Bernama provides the DASS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) test to help identify individuals requiring psychological support.

“AKRAB Bernama is always ready to listen and be a source of conversation, ensuring that those facing any problems do not feel alone in confronting their challenges,” she added.

The AKRAB Open Day saw participation from over 100 Bernama staff members from 9 am, featuring various engaging activities.

The event was also joined by exhibiting partners, such as Takaful Malaysia, JPA, the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), KPJ Eyecare Specialist Sdn Bhd, and National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 

-- BERNAMA