Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to finalise the workplace mental health policy draft by September or October, following the completion of engagement sessions with various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that these sessions would involve the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly highlighted that the timeline would provide ample opportunity for the ministry to develop a comprehensive policy and guidelines designed to foster a conducive, safe, and harmonious working environment. "We are looking at a timeline of around September or October to give our team sufficient time to conduct the engagement sessions and subsequently develop the policy and guidelines. This is very important because mental health challenges must be given due attention," he said after attending the MOH's 2026 Merdeka Celebration programme for Negeri Sembilan at Hospital Rembau.
On July 15, Dzulkefly announced the MOH's intention to establish the workplace mental health policy to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting a supportive workplace environment. He also addressed suggestions that the policy should extend beyond counselling services, ensuring it includes aspects like work-life balance and support mechanisms for employees. The policy aims to equip workplaces to support employees' mental well-being and mitigate risks of burnout and excessive workload.
In other developments, Dzulkefly mentioned the MOH's ongoing efforts to enhance hospital services nationwide through the cluster hospital concept, where specialists from lead hospitals assist non-specialist hospitals. This initiative includes upgrading non-specialist hospitals into facilities with selected specialist services based on demand and suitability. "The improvements are not limited to upgrading hospitals to provide selected specialist services, but also involve strengthening specialist disciplines, including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology (OandG), ophthalmology, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) services," he explained. The approach focuses on enhancing specialist service capacity and strengthening the primary healthcare system without necessarily constructing new hospital buildings.