BY NURA VALENTIANA LORNA & ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Educational institutions in Sarawak are encouraged to expand their programmes in psychology and counselling to ensure comprehensive support for students’ mental health.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah stressed the need to focus on students, especially those entering higher education.
She said current circumstances have changed, posing greater financial challenges and accommodation difficulties for financially disadvantaged families.
“Several factors have been identified as the causes of mental stress among these new students.
“These factors include homesickness, financial issues, and not having accommodation, all of which are compounded by the awareness that their families are not well-off. This situation is a matter of great concern for us.
“When students enter higher education, they need to be wise in managing their finances to ensure they can cope with the challenges ahead,” she said.
She was officiating at the Striving Towards Emotional and Psychological Support (STEPS) programme in conjunction with University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Psychology and Counselling Month 2023 at Arena Gemilang, Detar Putra, UNIMAS today.
The inaugural programme organised by UNIMAS, themed ‘Minda Madani Masyarakat Harmoni,’ was attended by 600 physical participants, including students and staff from UNIMAS, while more than 1,000 participants joined online.
Fatimah stressed that other institutions should take UNIMAS’ initiative as an example to prepare new students for their transition to university life.
She also urged students to protect themselves from getting involved in unproductive activities by setting boundaries.
“We always remind students to establish boundaries because the university environment is vast.
“Now you are on your own without parents accompanying you, and these are life skills that need to be mastered at the university,” she said.
She added that creating a supportive environment, especially getting to know housemates better, can make it easier for students to seek help from one another during emergencies.
“Be kind to your housemates because they could be the first ones to offer assistance when you need it,” she asserted.
On the same note, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Datuk Kadim Suaidi explained that the STEPS programme aims to equip UNIMAS students with skills and strategies to strengthen their mental health in the face of university challenges.
The programme’s primary focus is on raising awareness of mental health and emotional well-being within the university community.
During the launch event, the myCounselling System was also introduced, which is a counselling session appointment application system designed for UNIMAS students.
Also present were UNIMAS Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit (Academic and International) and Prof. Dr. Al-Khalid Othman (Student Affairs and Alumni), as well as the president of the Malaysian Counselling Board Prof. Dr. Othman Mohamad.
