Assalamu’alaikum wbt and Good day,

Thank you for checking out our website.  Let me introduce the program to you first: The MENTARI program was deployed nationwide by Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2014, as a strategy to expand its specialist psychiatric services into the community.  The program tactically shifted the treatment focus from curative (hospital-based) to prevention and re-integration (community-based); and is managed by the Psychiatric Department of the respective hospitals. With one national office (MENTARI Selayang) and 30 community-based branches in all states (as of July 2021), we provide services and support to Malaysians through the combined efforts of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

As a medical fraternity, MENTARI believes in the effectiveness of medications.  After all, our main audience are people with moderate to severe mental illnesses.  However, we also believe in supporting patients to take ownership of their recovery.  Our main strategy for this is work-based activities; while encouraging patients to connect with various forms of natural support (family members, volunteer work, spirituality, nature). We also use upskilling tools to visualize these strategies (self-tests, calendars, wellness wheel etc.)

In this portal, we share some self-help manoeuvres and information to guide you – whether it’s for your own self or your loved one. Whether or not you are already receiving professional support – we believe that these tools may be useful to you.  The MENTARI Portal also showcases the locations of the various MENTARIs across the country and their activities.  So that you know where and how to reach us. 

Collaborations is another area of interest for us.  We welcome partnerships with employers – either to create job coaching support in your company or by creating job opportunities for patients.  We also invite different modes of collaborations: whether as volunteers, doing outreach activities or networking. Check out how you can connect with us via the Get Involved page.   

The journey towards recovery will not be easy, you don’t have to do it alone. At least, find out what choices you have and what kind of support you can get.  It does not matter what your mood state is – the important thing is to move on and to establish a sense of rhythm and balance, and subsequently find a purpose in life. 

We are here to listen.  Would you like to tell us your story?

Dr Nor Hayati Ali, Consultant Psychiatrist

Technical Advisor MOH for the Mentari Program

mentari.hq@moh.gov.my