13/03/2025

THURSDAY | MAR 13, 2025

3 Addressing surge in ADHD cases an uphill battle

Monthly allowance for MPs could reach RM40,000, says PMO KUALA LUMPUR: An MP is entitled to a fixed allowance of RM25,700 monthly, as well as other allowances and claims depending on their eligibility, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). In a statement, it clarified the matter following allegations by certain parties, including opposition MPs, that their monthly income is so low to the extent of having to go into debt. According to the statement, the allowances and claims that the MPs are entitled to for official duties in the country are parliamentary session allowance (RM400 per day), Public Accounts Committee (PAC)/Select Committee meeting allowance (RM300 per day – apart from parliamentary sessions), PAC member meeting allowance (RM250 per day – during parliamentary sessions), official briefing allowance (RM300 per day), daily living allowance(RM100 per day – based on attendance in Parliament or official trip exceeding 32km from residence), travel claims (for self-driving, public or land transport) and accommodation claims (hotel, lodging and laundry service). For official duties overseas, the allowances and claims the MPs are entitled to are meal allowance (RM340 per night), daily living allowance (RM170 per day), accommodation claim (hotel and laundry service), transport expenses claim (land and air transport), currency exchange losses claim and tip allowance based on meal allowance. “When combined, the total income of an MP could reach RM30,000 to RM40,000 per month, such as previously stated by the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim),” the statement read. As such, it said the prime minister also advised all MPs to manage their finances wisely and to always prioritise the interests of the people, particularly low-income groups who are in much greater need of assistance. On Monday, Anwar rapped opposition MPs for exploiting the issue to gain public attention, with some even claiming that they were financially burdened and in debt, despite earning up to RM40,000 per month. He also stressed that allocations for all parliamentary constituencies, including those held by the Opposition, were still channelled to the people regardless of political affiliation. – Bernama

o Experts say lack of public awareness, specialist shortage, persistent misconceptions and fear of stigma hinder early diagnosis

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

structures must be closely monitored to ensure Malaysia remains an attractive investment destination. On March 6, the EPF (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed with a majority of votes in favour after being debated by eight MPs from both the government and opposition blocs. It involves amendments to 11 clauses to include provisions on the liability to pay contributions and the applicable contribution rate for non-citizen workers. On Feb 3, the government announced that the contribution rate for foreign workers would be set at 2% for both employees and employers, lower than the mandatory rate for workers and permanent residents, which stands at 11% for employees and 12% or 13 % for employers. Yet, many remain hesitant to seek help, fearing medication or assuming treatment offers little benefit, he added. Rozanizam said these misconceptions persist due to lack of public education. “We need nationwide awareness campaigns, professional training and community support programmes,” he said. He added that Malaysia’s mental health system is overstretched, with long waiting lists and a shortage of specialists. While government hospitals offer subsidised treatment, the demand far exceeds capacity. “We need more trained professionals, including general practitioners who can handle ADHD cases at the primary care level,” Rozanizam said. He also shared Mohd Fadzli’s view on persistent misconceptions about ADHD. “Some also fear medication and see no need for intervention. “The key signs of ADHD include persistent difficulty focusing, easy distractibility, forgetfulness and struggling to complete tasks.” In adults, Rozanizam said ADHD often manifests in ways beyond childhood hyperactivity. “Difficulty focusing, chronic procrastination, poor time management and emotional dysregulation are common symptoms. Without treatment, ADHD can disrupt careers, relationships and mental health.” Beyond healthcare, Rozanizam said the education system also fell short in supporting students with ADHD. He also stressed that the government should introduce nationwide screening, particularly for high-risk groups including children with literacy challenges or severe behavioural issues. “Government hospitals offer subsidised care, but long wait times remain a challenge. “Some NGOs provide affordable therapy, and schools could implement behavioural interventions at minimal cost.”

KUALA LUMPUR: As Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) cases surge, Malaysia’s healthcare system grapples with long waits, high costs and a specialist shortage. Experts warn that without urgent reforms, many cases will go undiagnosed, leaving individuals without the support they need. Malaysian Psychiatric Association president Dr Mohd Fadzli Mohamad Isa told theSun : “The healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle the increasing number of ADHD cases. “We need a more inclusive and adaptable approach, with greater financial and human resource support.” Mohd Fadzli also said diagnosing ADHD remains an uphill battle, adding that many general practitioners lack awareness, and families often

individuals, many of whom are undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and accessible screening. Government data highlights a sharp rise in diagnoses among children. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that cases had jumped from 79 in 2013 to 268 in 2023, a number experts said was still far below the actual prevalence rate. International Islamic University Malaysia child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Rozanizam Zakaria said ADHD diagnoses in Malaysia have increased due to greater awareness, improved screening tools and better detection of previously undiagnosed cases.

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assessments due to stigma. “There is a misconception that ADHD is just about hyperactivity or bad parenting. “Some believe children will simply outgrow it, which delays critical intervention.” He said the public should not wait for mild symptoms to escalate. “Early screening and regular follow-ups are crucial to managing the condition before it significantly impacts daily life,” said Mohd Fadzli. According to ADHD Malaysia, global statistics show that approximately 3.4% of the population experience ADHD. Applying this prevalence to Malaysia’s 32.7 million people, this translates to roughly one million

FESTIVE WARES ... A trader selling chappal sandals and other items for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman bazaar in Kuala Lumpur. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

EPF reforms enhance economic competitiveness, says MEF KUALA LUMPUR: Industry leaders welcomed the passing of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) (Amendment) Bill 2025, hailing it as a balanced approach that strengthens social security while ensuring business sustainability. The Malaysian Employers for non-citizen employees as a balanced approach to enhancing industrial resilience, employee productivity and economic growth over time. “It is critical to control cost increases to ensure business He said MEF believes the structured savings mechanism for non-citizen employees will lead to better retention rates, workforce stability and improved productivity in key industries such as manufacturing, plantations, construction and services. Malaysia’s industrial resilience by improving worker retention, reducing turnover and fostering a more engaged workforce.

He said EPF savings accumulated under the scheme could incentivise foreign workers to return home upon completing their contracts rather than seeking to stay on legally or illegally. “The government should also make it a strict condition that foreign workers must be in legal status at the time of withdrawal. This would prevent undocumented workers from accessing the funds and further reinforce the objective of ensuring that only those who comply with immigration and employment laws benefit from the scheme,” he said. Soh stressed that the impact on business competitiveness and cost

sustainability and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in line with the goal of placing Malaysia among the top 12 most competitive countries in the world, as envisioned under the Malaysia Madani Economy Framework,” he told Bernama. Syed Hussain also stressed the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement before implementing future changes to EPF contribution rates, to ensure that both employer and employee interests are protected.

“With resilient businesses and a more productive workforce contributing to higher GDP, this would lead to increased investments, both local and foreign direct investment, and strengthened competitiveness in the global market,” he said. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said in the long run, ensuring equal social protection access for all workers could support

Federation (MEF) lauded the move, emphasising that it provides financial relief to businesses and enhances Malaysia’s economic competitiveness under the Malaysia Madani Economy Framework. MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the policy provides financial relief for employers, ensuring business continuity while supporting the long term financial security of foreign workers. “MEF views the EPF contribution