More effort needed to lift happiness level
Malaysia has potential to improve its ranking in the World Happiness Report but more proactive measures to address mental health issues must be implemented by the government, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Programme senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali.
He said initiatives towards enhancing happiness should be carried out, including increasing public awareness towards mental health, reducing race and religious tensions, bridging the socio-economic gap, advancing social justice, empowering the education and health system as well as reducing negative impact on the environment.
He also said psychologists should be empowered to help the public deal with mental health conditions, adding that these specialists possess the skills and knowledge to help those in need.
The World Happiness Report 2024 revealed Malaysia has dropped four spots to 59th position, compared with 2023. The report also placed Malaysia as the eighth happiest nation among Asian countries.
Shazli said happiness is a state of emotional well-being related to an incident and/or specific accomplishment.
“Happiness is the feeling of delight or excitement experienced by an individual. It is a positive emotion.”
He said mental health is an essential part of our lives, adding that issues related to it are expected to increase by 10% in 2025.
“This rate is expected to increase to nearly 39.2% by next year if proactive measures are not carried out by the government, community leaders, family members and professionals in the mental health sector.”
Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher Frank Martela said their people are guided by three key principles in life.
He said Finns are happy because they have a strong sense of community, an urge to do good deeds for others and a clear life purpose.
UKM Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being senior lecturer Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai said the principles practised by the Finnish should be emulated, adding that personal relationships are crucial to attain happiness. – Bernama