KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The stigma surrounding those with mental health conditions must be brought to an end, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.
In conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2023, Anwar urged the public to stop the stigma associated with mental health problems, citing the need to raise awareness, in his remarks at the country's lower house of parliament.
"Mental health belongs to all, stop the stigma. The green ribbon I wear is an international symbol of mental health. Happy World Mental Health Day 2023," he said.
Several members of parliament were also seen wearing green ribbons as a sign of support for the mental health awareness campaign.
Meanwhile the National Coalition for Mental WellBeing, a civil society organization, prioritizes mental health education and intervention program tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents.
"There is a need to implement a comprehensive mental health education curriculum that normalizes discussions about mental health and equips students with coping skills," it said in a statement.
"This includes ensuring that schools have dedicated mental health professionals who are trained to identify and address the mental health needs of students," the statement said. ■
