Nearly 700 teachers flagged as needing psychological support

A total of 691 teachers have been identified as requiring immediate intervention for their psychological well-being following a screening of 82,126 teachers nationwide conducted by the education ministry.

In a written parliamentary reply, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said the figure represented 0.84% of teachers who underwent the screening.

“Overall, the findings show that most teachers who underwent the screening have good psychological well-being.

“The ministry has adopted a comprehensive intervention approach covering development, prevention and recovery through psychological and counselling services to help teachers facing challenges.

“Among the services provided are individual and group counselling, psychological assessments, guidance and consultation, as well as stress management programmes and emotional support,” she said.

She was responding to a question from Muslimin Yahaya (PN-Sungai Besar) on the number of teachers experiencing health problems and mental disorders, as well as the intervention measures and support provided by the ministry to help them continue with their lives and careers.

Fadhlina said the intervention process begins with screening and identifying individual needs, followed by appropriate psychological intervention and counselling.

The ministry has also allocated RM200 million to upgrade teachers’ rooms, including an additional RM100 million in new funding, to improve teachers’ well-being.

Last year, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) said many teachers faced mental health conditions as they were emotionally burdened due to toxic school leadership, increasing digital demands and harassment from parents.

Commenting on news reports of teachers suffering from depression and schizophrenia, NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said an increasing number of teachers were feeling isolated and unsupported.

He said teachers who struggle with mental problems often fear seeking help, leading to worsening conditions.