MALAYSIA, 8 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia’s community-based mental health services have received international recognition following the launch of the MENTARI Case Study by the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO WPRO).
The case study was launched during the National Psychiatry Research and Innovation Symposium (NPRIS) 2026, held from 5 to 6 November at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The symposium was officially opened by Health Director-General Datuk Dr. Mahathar Abd Wahab and focused on strengthening psychiatric research and innovation to improve mental healthcare services in Malaysia.
Organised by the Psychiatry Specialist Services under the Medical Development Division in collaboration with the Evidence-Based Healthcare Sector of NIH, the programme aimed to align psychiatric research with national health research priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
The two-day event brought together 73 workshop participants and 300 symposium participants, including psychiatrists, researchers, healthcare professionals and representatives from non-governmental organisations, government agencies and universities.
A key highlight was the launch of the MENTARI Case Study, which documented Malaysia’s experience in developing community-based mental health services through the Community Mental Health Centres (MENTARI).
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The study recognised Malaysia’s approach to community mental healthcare as a regional reference for strengthening mental health service delivery.
The symposium also featured keynote presentations and expert forums examining research priorities and approaches to addressing evolving mental health challenges.
Additionally, 12 research posters were presented, providing a platform for researchers and healthcare professionals to share findings and developments in psychiatric research.
The programme highlighted the importance of evidence-based research, collaboration and innovation in strengthening mental health services and improving healthcare outcomes.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, the symposium formed part of ongoing efforts to translate psychiatric research into practical improvements in mental healthcare services while strengthening collaboration among healthcare professionals and research institutions – The Capital Post
