In Penang, schools are taking proactive steps to address mental health concerns among students. According to Dr. Tan Hooi Shyuan, a public health medicine specialist from the Penang Health Department, regular mental health screenings are already being conducted, with data reviewed by school counsellors. Critical cases are promptly referred to hospitals, while others are directed to nearby health clinics, ensuring timely support from healthcare professionals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen mental health support for students, led by joint initiatives from the state health and education departments, along with other agencies and NGOs. Penang has also established a state mental health committee, chaired by Daniel Gooi, to enhance inter-agency cooperation and plan mental health programs. The committee is actively working with the state Health Department and relevant exco members to expand joint projects aimed at raising awareness and improving interventions. However, the recent tragic incident involving 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, who was stabbed in her school's female toilet, has sparked calls to review school mental health policies and prevent similar tragedies. The incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen the nation's mental health support system, as evidenced by the rising depression rates during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Fazilah Shaikh Allaudin, Malaysia's depression rate doubled from 2.3% to nearly 4.6% during this period, affecting nearly a million people. This underscores the importance of early intervention and accessible mental health services. Visitors and attendees, like Hani Kampun and pharmacist Atiqah Akmal Azil, emphasize the significance of awareness in helping families identify early signs of stress and emotional struggle. They also stress the treatability of mental health conditions, encouraging open conversations and early intervention to encourage more people to seek help without fear of judgment.
