KUCHING: Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian says there is an urgent need to prioritise mental health, raise awareness, and encourage personal responsibility for well-being.
“Mental health is not just an individual issue but one that impacts society at large. Even if you don’t come to see me, it doesn’t matter. You are just a statistic to me.
“But to you, it’s your life, your health. That’s why mental health is more important than ever,” he said.
The Deputy Premier was speaking at the Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara (KOSPEN) Towards Wellness of Workers (WOW) Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) 2024 Health Carnival here, today.
Referring to the day’s theme, ‘Mental Health: Where Hope Begins and Healing Takes Hold’, he highlighted how mental health issues often go unnoticed until it is too late.
He cited the example of a pathologist who tragically committed suicide in Sabah recently, reflecting on how the healthcare system and individuals alike may overlook early signs of distress.
Dr Sim also drew attention to the broader societal impact of untreated mental health conditions, stating, “Mental health is everyone’s problem. We all experience emotional ups and downs, and it’s not something that should be dismissed.”
He also pointed out the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help in identifying mental health issues, envisioning a future where technology could aid in early diagnosis.
“Maybe in the future, AI will be able to detect someone’s emotional state just by scanning their face, helping to catch signs of vulnerability early.
“Mental health is a crucial part of building a stronger Sarawak. If we can manage our mental health well, we can manage our community better,” he said.
