KUALA LUMPUR: Mental health issues among workers are recognised by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) through three financial assistance avenues: the Invalidity Pension, the Invalidity Scheme, and the Employment Injury Scheme.
Perkeso deputy chief executive officer (operations) Azirruan Arifin said psychiatric and mental health conditions are approved as invalidities every year, enabling eligible contributors to receive related benefits, including a monthly Invalidity Pension.
He said contributors facing mental health issues that result in an inability to work qualify for the monthly Invalidity Pension, while conditions evaluated under the Invalidity Scheme include major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety disorders.
"If the condition causes infirmity that affects a person's capacity to work, it can be assessed for invalidity benefits, subject to evaluation by the Perkeso Medical Board and prescribed conditions.
"Mental health disorders stemming from workplace trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be considered under the Employment Injury Scheme if there is clinical confirmation, a clear link to employment, and medical assessment," he told Berita Harian.
He added that official records show psychiatric and mental health cases are certified and approved as invalidities annually, giving eligible contributors access to Invalidity Scheme benefits and medical treatment facilities.
"This shows that mental health issues have a direct impact on an individual's ability to work, and when invalidity criteria are met, they can be evaluated within Perkeso's social security framework.
"Medical and psychiatric evaluations are crucial in helping the Perkeso Medical Board determine the severity of the illness and its impact on the contributor's work capacity," he said.
Azirruan noted that contributors undergoing invalidity assessment must receive appropriate treatment and medical monitoring to allow for a comprehensive health evaluation.
For certain cases, a minimum monitoring and treatment period of one year is required before an assessment can be made, allowing medical experts to evaluate disease progression, response to treatment, and recovery levels.
"This is also essential to determine whether the health condition has reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and if the infirmity is permanent enough to impair the contributor's ability to work.
"However, decisions regarding invalidity remain subject to medical evaluations and rulings by the Perkeso Medical Board based on the facts of each case," he said.
He emphasised that mental health is a critical workplace issue today due to evolving pressures and environments that differ significantly from those faced in the past.
He added that Perkeso actively participates in promotional efforts to help organisations address workplace mental health.
"Under the Employment Injury Scheme, mental health conditions resulting from workplace trauma, such as PTSD, can be considered if supported by clinical confirmation from a psychiatrist and a clear connection to job-related events," he said.
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