KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation for health services and infrastructure in the upcoming 2022 Budget must be able to address pressing issues on mental health.
Member of Mental Health Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the number of people struggling with mental health issues has been on the rise.
"This is evident as more people have reached out to helplines provided by The Befrienders Kuala Lumpur and the Health Ministry.
"Challenges from the pandemic have also caused some to have suicidal thoughts.
"As the pandemic is far from over, there may be more who would be affected, and even when it's finally over, the consequences on their mental health may be long-lasting.
"This will eventually have an enormous impact on their studies or job performances, physical health as well as relationships with others.
"Not to mention those with pre-existing mental health conditions may find it being aggravated.
"Therefore, the allocation for mental health in Budget 2022 must be able to address such pressing issues," he said in a statement today.
Lee said the high cost of mental health services in Malaysia has caused many people to be reliant on public healthcare for treatment.
"As such, it is important to make mental health services more easily accessible to the general public.
"This includes people in rural and remote areas."
He added that while the government's financial assistance to those who were affected was much welcome, but the detrimental effects on mental health should not be overlooked.
"As the economy is hit hard, most people would focus mainly on financial struggles.
"Many may not place importance on mental health due to lack of awareness.
"This is where the government needs to collaborate and work with non-governmental organisations to have a greater reach in creating more awareness.
"The government must be committed to making sure people who are struggling with mental health issues are well taken care of."
He added the concept of a community-based healthcare system makes it easier for people to get the treatment they need.
"Pusat MENTARI, a community mental health centre, which is available in every state in Malaysia is a good example.
"However, with only 28 centres nationwide mainly in urban and town areas, there is an urgent need to establish more centres, particularly in the rural areas.
"With this, it also means that there is a need for manpower.
"Therefore, it is the right time the government invests more in cultivating new mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists."
This year, RM313.4 million was allocated for mental health services and infrastructure, as announced during the 2021 Budget last year.
The amount, however, was lower than RM344.8 million allocated in 2020.
