Two mln M’sians suffering from mental disorder

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KOTA KINABALU: Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said with the setting up of the Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, the government has already embarked on its journey to tackle the rising trend in poor mental health.

She pointed out, that there are more than two million people in the country above the age of five suffering from some forms of mental disorder.

“Only 20 per cent of them seek treatment and this figure is worrying because in our society, mental illness and the mentally ill are invisible, because of stigmatisation,” said Azizah in her speech when officiating at the World Mental Health Day at the Beverly Hotel here yesterday.

Azizah further said, the aim of the advisory council which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Health, is to enhance mental health promotional activities by the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the community.

“Through promotion we hope to increase not only public awareness, but also the understanding and knowledge about mental health problems and to reduce the stigmatisation and discrimination of individuals with mental health problems,” she said, adding that it is also to enhance public attitude towards seeking help early from mental health professionals.

Also present at the event were the president of Sabah Mental Health Association, Rizal Osoi; the organising chairman, Dr Ho Siang Boon and clinical psychologist cum guest speaker from Singapore, Dr Frederick Toke.