Malaysian Mental Health Association president Andrew Mohanraj said the budget tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last month did not specifically allocate funding to support the operational needs of NGOs engaged in the field.
He claimed the sum of RM15 million announced by Anwar was specifically for community-related activities organised by the Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in collaboration with NGOs.
“It is not intended to provide financial assistance to mental health NGOs, which are largely struggling to stay above water,” Mohanraj told FMT.
He hopes the finance ministry will explore ways to help NGOs by assisting those with mental health issues and raising awareness on the matter.
Previously, former health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah estimated that only 20% of people with mental health issues seek professional help, attributing the low figure to the social stigma attached to the condition and a lack of education in the area.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association president Anita Abu Bakar said mental health NGOs were in dire need of funds to sustain their operational expenditures.
“We also need unrestricted funds to strengthen, develop and expand community mental health services and sustain our efforts,” she said.
Anita called for a more targeted allocation of funds for mental health, including for running crisis management and response activities, and shelter homes.
Faith Foo of Abri Integrated Mental Health said the government’s lack of allocation for counselling services adds to the burden faced by mental health clinics and counsellors.
“Earning a decent living as a registered counsellor is far from easy, given job availability challenges, supervision expenses and burnout.
“We also have to cover numerous expenses, including our ongoing self-development programmes and renewing licences or certification with various boards each year,” she said.
In addition, not many individuals are willing to pay for counselling services. Most people she encountered seek free or pro bono services.