Call For A National Mental Well-being Index To Prioritise Mental Health In Malaysia - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Member of Mental Health Advisory Council Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called for the establishment of a Mental Well-being Index (MWI) as a comprehensive tool to measure, monitor and improve the nation’s state of mind and emotional resilience.

In a statement today, he said the time has come for Malaysia to recognise mental well-being as a national priority and to measure it systematically, just as it measures economic and physical health indicators.

“We have indicators for GDP, inflation and employment, but we lack a structured way to gauge our people’s mental health. Without accurate data, we cannot effectively address what is becoming one of the most pressing social issues of our time,” he said.

Lee said the Mental Well-being Index would provide quantifiable data on emotional, psychological and social well-being across different age groups, professions and regions as well as guiding the government and relevant agencies in channel resources and design targeted interventions where they are most needed.

It would also allow Malaysia to track progress over time, assess the effectiveness of mental health policies, and identify areas requiring urgent attention.

In addition, Lee said the index could promote awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen national resilience.

“The precise purpose of the Mental Well-being Index is to serve as a national benchmark — to assess the state of Malaysians’ mental health, inform government strategies, and monitor progress towards a mentally stronger nation.

“Such an index would also help Malaysia align with global efforts to promote mental well-being as an essential component of sustainable development, similar to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and the OECD’s Well-being Framework.

Lee emphasised the need for collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources, and non-governmental organisations, to jointly develop the Mental Well-being Index using reliable data, research and public participation.

“Mental health is the foundation of national strength. To build a caring, productive and resilient Malaysia, we must start by understanding and improving the mental well-being of our people,” he added.

-- BERNAMA