TOWARDS A CULTURALLY SENSITIVE CHILD MENTAL HEALTH FRAMEWORK FOR MALAYSIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Authors

  • Mohd Faiz Fansuri Mohd Affandy Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Intan Nooraini Haji Zainol School of Social Sciences, USM

Keywords:

Child mental health policy, school-based interventions, cultural adaptations, social work, digital mental health, posthumanism, postmodern

Abstract

This systematic review and comparative analysis investigate the landscape of child mental health in Malaysia by highlighting critical policy gaps, systemic challenges, and cultural barriers that affect service delivery. We examine 80 studies and compare them with international strategies to highlight fragmented service delivery, workforce shortages, and stigma as major obstacles. Our findings underscore an urgent need for a dedicated child mental health policy, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and culturally adapted interventions. Drawing on best practices from Singapore, Thailand, Canada, and Australia, we propose a comprehensive reform agenda that integrates digital technologies, postmodern perspectives, and social work practices to enhance service accessibility and delivery. We advocate for increased investment in mental health financing, capacity building, and community engagement to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health system for Malaysian children.

Author Biography

Intan Nooraini Haji Zainol, School of Social Sciences, USM

Intan Nooraini is a Social Work lecturer and researcher. Other than juveniles, she has worked closely with drug users, sex workers, people living with HIV/AIDS, and other vulnerable groups when she worked as a researcher at AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG). She is also passionate about reaching out to communities in need and is actively involved in community work and voluntary work. Her main research interests are in the area of delinquency, reintegration into the community, as well as institutionalisation and aftercare, particularly among juveniles. I am also interested in child welfare.

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Published

05-12-2025

Issue

Vol. 21 (2025): International Journal of Social Policy and Society (IJSPS)

Section

Articles