Malaysia handled air tragedies well, says Health Ministry

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has responded remarkably well when faced with the MH370 and MH17 air tragedies that happened this year, said the Health Ministry.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the people have shown their unity and resilience during the tragedies.
"From this experience, we have learnt that psycho-emotional support, and the need to have more people with psychosocial support skills is important," he said.
Subramaniam was speaking at the Asean Mental Health Campaign 2014 held at the Taman Wetland here today.
As a mark of respect for the victims of both tragedies, a one-minute silence was observed by the the event's over 300 participants.
Subramaniam said Asean member countries need to look into mental health problems in the region.
"It is hoped this campaign will be a good take-off for Asean member countries to promote mental health in their respective countries," he added.
"The countries should collaborate in promoting mental health and the prevention of mental disorders."
The minister also expressed his concern for the increase in psychotic mobility among children.
He said a health mobility survey conducted by the Health Ministry showed that the condition among children in Malaysia aged five to 15 is a worrying trend.
He added the increase is from 13% in 1996 to 19.2% in 2006 and 20% in 2011.
He said the increase could be attributed to the stressful city environment.
"Children need an environment where they can enjoy their childhood, acquire skills, knowledge and values," he said.
Subramaniam also said Malaysia needs another 900 psychiatrists to meet the international standard ratio of such medical specialists to mental patients at 1:50,000.
He said there were now 300 psychiatrists in Malaysia and hence, their ratio to patients was 1:150,000.