By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, July 4: Mental health is no longer a silent issue but a critical pillar of Sarawak’s development agenda, with the State strengthening specialist and community-based mental healthcare services as part of its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari underscored that mental well-being is a fundamental component of a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society, asserting that true development must transcend mere economic indicators.
“Sarawak has significantly expanded access to mental healthcare, with psychiatric services now available in ten hospitals across the State, enabling more citizens to receive specialist assessment, treatment, and follow-up care within their own communities,” he said, listing the ten hospitals as Sentosa Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Miri Hospital, Sibu Hospital, Sri Aman Hospital, Bintulu Hospital, Sarikei Hospital, Serian Hospital, Kapit Hospital, and Limbang Hospital.
He said this when officiating the 7th Sarawak Mental Health Conference at a hotel here today, where his speech was delivered by the Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
According to him, Sarawak has also strengthened psychiatric subspecialty services, with five of Malaysia’s seven recognised psychiatric subspecialties established at SGH, while forensic psychiatry services are provided at Sentosa Hospital and community psychiatry services are available Statewide.
The Premier said community-based mental healthcare remains equally important, highlighting the role of Mentari (Community Mental Health Centre) in promoting rehabilitation, social integration, and continuity of care for individuals living with mental health conditions.
He emphasised that addressing mental health challenges requires a whole-of-society approach involving government agencies, healthcare institutions, educators, employers, families, and communities.
“We must continue to reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy, and promote early intervention so that people are not afraid to seek help and support remains accessible,” he said.
He also paid tribute to psychiatrists, medical officers, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, occupational therapists, and social workers for their dedication in providing care and support to those facing mental health challenges.
The conference, which runs from July 3 to 5 under the theme ‘Bridge to Healing: Connecting Minds, Hearts & Care Across Generations’, brings together mental health professionals, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and strengthen collaboration in mental healthcare.
Also in attendance were Sarawak Health deputy director Dr Azlee Ayub, representing Sarawak Health director Dr Veronica Lugah, and Dr Rosliwati Md Yusoff, the organising chairperson of the 7th Sarawak Mental Health Conference. — DayakDaily
