A Study on the Causes of Work Stress Among the Malaysian Civil Defense Force Personnel

The frustrations, expectations, and deadlines of modern life have, for many, become a default setting. Stress occurs when we receive signals that upset our equilibrium or pose potential danger. Its seriousness is evident, as most working individuals between 2021 and 2022 experienced work-related illnesses primarily linked to stress, depression, and anxiety. Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and workplace stress, particularly in Malaysia, has risen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies examined stressful occupations in Malaysia and identified key predictors of such conditions. During the pandemic, the Malaysian government mobilized the Malaysia Civil Defense Force (MCDF), or Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia, whose demanding work highlighted stress as a critical issue. This thesis investigates the relationship between work stress and its organisational, operational, and lifestyle causes among personnel at the MCDF Kuala Lumpur District Office. Using Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression Analysis, the study found significant correlations between work stress and both organisational and operational causes, while lifestyle factors showed no significant link. The findings emphasize the need to address stressors to improve employee well-being and productivity. Recommendations for MCDF include strengthening psychological support, enhancing occupational health and safety measures, and fostering clear communication within the organisation. Additionally, future research should expand to broader sample areas and employ multi-method data collection. Understanding these dynamics is essential for strategic decision-making and creating a supportive environment in high-stress government agencies like the MCDF.