A total of 9,772 people are registered and are being treated at public psychiatric hospitals and clinics in Perak between January 2020 and June this year.
According to NST, Perak’s Women Development, Family and Community Welfare committee chairman Datuk Dr. Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said according to statistics from the Perak Health Department, a total of 5,213 patients were registered last year, while 4,559 cases were registered between January and June this year.
Photo via Malay Mail
The Kampung Gajah assemblyman said for suicide cases, a total of 80 people had committed suicide since the first implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March last year until June this year.
“According to Perak police statistics, among the factors are depression (33 cases), unknown (24 cases), financial issues (13 cases), illnesses (four cases), drug abuse (three cases) and mental health issues (three cases).
“Out of the total, 66 of them were men while 14 were women,” she said.
She added that the preventative measures taken by the state involved cooperation from the Social Welfare Department, Women Development Department, Perak Health Department, police, Perak Islamic Religious Department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Wan Norashikin also highlighted that to tackle mental health issues, it is crucial to have a conducive environment in society that is balanced in various aspects.
"These steps must start at home. Parents and family need to play important roles in educating and cultivating religious obedience by practicing good life values in terms of human manners since childhood.
"Besides that, community support such as friends, neighbours, village committee, religious committees, schools and non-governmental organisations also play crucial roles," she added.
Wan Norashikin added that teachers also play crucial roles in motivating students to be strong and patient when being tested in any situation.
Guys, remember that your feelings are valid! It’s okay to feel scared, anxious, sad or angry, but please find someone you trust or a professional to talk about it.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
