Teachers in Kelantan are facing growing psychological pressure caused by teaching responsibilities, administrative tasks, student discipline, and viral social media issues affecting their emotional well-being and mental health [1, 2]. The demands are straining educators who must also handle online controversies that influence public perception and add to their stress.
The Kelantan Social Welfare Department (JKM) has responded by offering emotional and psychological support through counsellors and assistant counsellors available at the district level. These professionals help teachers cope with stress, trauma, and anxiety linked to their workload and social situations [1, 2]. JKM Director Che Samsuzuki Che Noh explained to Bernama on May 17 that "educators are also ordinary people who need emotional support and space to continue carrying out their responsibility of educating the future generation" [2].
JKM is working together with schools and the Ministry of Education to provide assistance to students facing social or emotional problems. This collaboration aims to ease some of the pressures placed on teachers by addressing student needs more effectively [1, 2].
The department also cautions the public against quickly judging viral social media issues involving teachers without fully understanding the real circumstances [1, 2]. Such snap judgments can amplify stress and harm educators' mental health.
The mental health support system by JKM will continue to operate at district levels in Kelantan, offering sustained help to teachers under strain. The joint cooperation with schools and education authorities is planned to expand to better manage both student and teacher well-being.
JKM's ongoing efforts to assist teachers come as the department remains attentive to the rising challenges educators face amid a complex workload and the pressures of the digital era [2].
