MEF Reaffirms Commitment To Workplace Mental Health Protection

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to strengthen workplace mental health protection and psychosocial risk management.

President Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the world of work is changing rapidly, and employers are increasingly confronted with psychosocial challenges arising from excessive workloads, burnout, workplace harassment, emotional strain, and blurred work-life boundaries. 

“Employers recognise that safeguarding mental wellbeing is essential not only for employees, but also for organizational sustainability and business performance,” he said in a statement. 

Citing findings by the International Labour Organisation, Syed Hussain noted that psychosocial risks contribute significantly to global economic losses, with cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders linked to workplace stress estimated to account for about 1.37 per cent loss of global gross domestic product annually.

He also highlighted the need for practical implementation support, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Employers, especially MSMEs, require adequate time, practical guidance, awareness, and capacity-building support to progressively adopt psychosocial risk management measures effectively. 

“The objectives must be to build a culture of prevention, empathy, and shared responsibility across all workplaces,” he said. 

Meanwhile, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, in his keynote address at the MEF OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Conference 2026 on Thursday, emphasised that psychosocial hazards must be treated with the same level of seriousness as physical workplace risks.

He said a workplace cannot be regarded as truly safe when employees are overwhelmed by unrealistic workloads and exposed to bullying, harassment, or chronic emotional stress. 

“These are not merely ‘soft issues’; they are genuine occupational hazards that can severely impact wellbeing, safety, and productivity,” he added.

Lee also stressed the importance of fostering workplace cultures where employees feel psychologically safe to speak openly about mental health concerns without fear of stigma, discrimination, or retaliation.

-- BERNAMA