National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health to advocate mental health coverage within insurance policies in 2026, says director
December 23, 2025
At MHEC 3.0’s closing, Dr Nurashikin Ibrahim highlighted Malaysia’s Mental Health Strategic Plan, focusing on insurance coverage, workplace wellbeing, and empowering community leaders through collaboration.
The ASEAN workplace is evolving rapidly, and with that transformation comes an urgent conversation about mental health. Once viewed narrowly as a medical issue, mental health is now widely recognized as a human capital, economic, and national competitiveness concern — not just in ASEAN, but globally.
Global and national numbers signal a growing crisis According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 970 million people were living with mental health conditions in 2019. That means one in eight individuals worldwide experiences a mental disorder, making mental health a shared reality rather than a distant problem. In Malaysia, the situation is increasingly concerning. Depression affects 4.6% of individuals aged 16 and above — a figure that has doubled since 2019. What was once approximately 500,000 people has now risen to over one million. Even more alarming, data shows that about half of those experiencing depression report suicidal or self-harm thoughts. Beyond the personal toll, mental health challenges cost the global economy nearly USD1 trillion annually due to lost productivity. Prevention must come first Speaking at the closing of the Mental Health Experiential Conference (MHEC) 3.0, Dr Nurashikin Ibrahim, Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH) at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that prevention must take priority. “If we do not invest in preventive efforts, we will inevitably spend more on treatment later — and we will lose productivity along the way,” she said. “In ASEAN, where small and medium enterprises form the backbone of our economies, these impacts are felt even more strongly.” The message is simple yet powerful: when people thrive, organizations thrive. When employees feel safe, supported, and valued, societies move forward. In Malaysia, mental health has gained national recognition since 2014, when the government began strengthening mental health and psychosocial support programs across multiple ministries, including the Public Service Department. This momentum led to the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in 2022, serving as a central force to align efforts and advance the country’s mental health agenda. One key focus of NCEMH is collaboration — particularly with non-governmental organizations and social enterprises — to strengthen mental health advocacy and prevention at the community level. Strategic plan to drive mental health reform “We are currently developing a new National Strategic Plan for Mental Health for the following year focused on reform,” Dr Nurashikin revealed. “This includes advocating for mental health coverage within insurance policies, strengthening workplace mental health initiatives, and empowering community leaders through task-shifting approaches.” She added that this empowerment extends beyond healthcare professionals to include Members of Parliament, religious leaders, community figures, and NGOs — many of whom are already driving change at the grassroots level. Sustained funding and inter-agency collaboration remain critical to making these efforts effective. WHO guidelines reinforce the need for cross-sector action The importance of cross-sector collaboration was further reinforced on 25 November, when the World Health Organization launched new guidelines to advance mental health services across agencies. Mental health, Dr Nurashikin stressed, cannot be carried by the Ministry of Health alone. Promoting psychological wellbeing must happen in all settings — workplaces, homes, schools, and communities — by equipping people with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to care for themselves and others, while striving for healthier work-life balance. While achieving work-life balance remains challenging, Malaysia has taken concrete steps. The Ministry of Health has worked closely with the Ministry of Human Resources, contributing to the Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Management at the Workplace (PRISMA) guidelines. Additionally, more than 12,000 industry workers have been trained through the Occupational Psychological First Aid module. Resilience as a skill, not a trait Dr Nurashikin likened resilience to a rubber band. “You cannot be like glass — one drop and you shatter,” she said. “You need to stretch, bounce back, accept disappointment and loss. If you’ve tried 11 times, 20 times — try again the 21st time. Mental health advocacy requires continuous effort and perseverance.” Her call to action was deeply human and personal. Care, connect, and check in “I encourage everyone to take one small step to make workplaces and homes safer and more compassionate. If you haven’t called your loved ones, send a message. Ask if they’re okay. Be a supportive supervisor, peer, and neighbour.” She highlighted how many people do not even know who their neighbours are — a gap that weakens community safety nets. “When you leave your house, know who your neighbour is. Stay connected to your community — whether at a surau, a church, your children’s school, or a university. Know your children’s teachers and lecturers. Every small interaction matters.” Even the simplest conversations, she noted, can make a difference. |
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