Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
President Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said income tax relief for parents or relatives
who have to take care of them and better healthcare services in government hospital
are other benefits that should be considered for them.
<p>"(We) have to remove all forms of discrimination against people who have
recovered from mental illness so that they can be successfully reintegrated
into society just like we want to see rehabilitated drug dependants get back
into the mainstream of society," he said in a statement.</p>
<p>Lee pointed out that mental health problems, especially stress-related ones
among Malaysians, were a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed
urgently to avoid problems like sudden anger and road rage.</p>
<p>"Niosh shares the Health Ministry’s views and advocates that urgent steps
be taken to address mental health issues at workplaces involving employers,
employees and the relevant authorities," he said.</p>
<p>He said the neglect of mental health and psychosocial factors at workplaces
was not only detrimental to the individual worker but also directly affects
efficiency, effectiveness and output of any enterprise.</p>
<p>"Mental health is not just about mental illness. It is a feeling of well-being,
ability to cope with life’s many challenges and to have positive attitude towards
oneself," he said.</p>
<p>Lee said mental health would affect employee performance, frequent illness,
absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover.</p>
<p>"Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary
it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems,"
he added.– BERNAMA
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