Lack of data sharing hampers school mental health initiatives, MP warns

Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, the PN representative, questioned whether current school-based mental health interventions are achieving their intended objectives during parliamentary proceedings. Her concerns centre on systemic gaps in how information flows between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, which she argues undermines programme effectiveness and consistency across institutions.

The lack of coordinated data sharing creates blind spots in identifying students requiring mental health support and tracking outcomes of existing initiatives, the MP indicated. Without unified records and communication protocols, schools and health services operate in silos, potentially duplicating efforts or missing cases that require intervention.

Effective mental health programmes require seamless collaboration between education and health sectors to ensure early identification, appropriate referral pathways, and continuity of care for students in need. The absence of such integration raises questions about resource allocation and whether current approaches adequately address the mental wellbeing of Malaysia's school population.

The issue reflects broader challenges in cross-ministerial coordination on student welfare, a concern that has gained prominence as mental health awareness in schools increases. Resolving data-sharing barriers and establishing formal coordination mechanisms between the two ministries could strengthen the reach and impact of mental health services available to students.