Dapur MENTARI was first started in 2023 as initiation to include a more holistic approach in treating
patient. The idea was to give knowledge to patient and staff involved in choosing healthier food and
cooking balanced and healthy meals. This program was a collaboration with Dietetic Unit Hospital
Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) where they came to demonstrate a cooking class together with the
attending patients and staff.

Since starting the program, three sessions have been done, 2 sessions in 2023 (13/6/23 and 12/9/23)
and 1 session in 2024 (11/6/24) with another upcoming session in September 2024. There have been
in total of 15 patients and family members, together with 8 staff that have involved in the activities.
Among the menu prepared was gulai ayam, stir-fry vegetable and steamed fish.

We will continue Dapur MENTARI sessions every year as we see this program will benefit patient and
family in adopting a healthier choice of food and preparation at home while improving their social
skills and other area of adaptive function through meal preparation planning and effective
communication in group interaction. We believed that this is the good start for future collaboration
with other agencies as well to help our patient in community and reducing the stigma toward
psychiatric patient.