HEALTH Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai was reported by the media to have said that about six per cent of Malaysians, the majority of whom are aged between 16 and 24, have suicidal tendencies at some point in their lives, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2006.

The health minister’s statement has given rise to concern as to whether we are doing enough to help vulnerable groups, especially young school children, to handle and manage stress.

We have come to know of students who committed suicide because of disappointment in their Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah examinations.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health wishes to propose to the government to look into mental health promotion for school students as a remedy to overcome severe mental stress among students arising from our examination-oriented education system.

Mental-health promotion can be carried out in schools to prepare the students to face stress in schools, especially when sitting for examinations. Schools need to have more trained counsellors with skills and techniques to guide and help students on how to handle stress.

The issue of mental health among students must be addressed with a sense of urgency. If they do not get our help, our nation is going to be burdened with a generation suffering from serious mental health problems in an ever-increasing competitive global environment.

Our examination-oriented education system has led to parental pressure to perform. Even if parents say they don’t pressure their kids, children can sense their parents’ high expectations, and in turn, set high expectations for themselves. When they fail, they take it badly.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Chairman NIOSH

Source: NST – June 25, 2008