Kuala lumpur: The economic cost and burden arising from mental health issues in Malaysia is projected to reach as much as RM25.3 billion by 2030 if no effective intervention measures are taken to address the issue. Special Select Committee on Health chairman Suhaizan Kaiat said the projected surge in financial impact shows that the issue is no longer merely a clinical concern, but one that has a direct bearing on the country's productivity and socio-economic development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Suhaizan stated that the committee was informed about the potential economic burden and emphasized that mental health issues extend beyond treatment, affecting the economy, productivity, and the future of Malaysia. He made these remarks while presenting an explanatory statement on Report DR.4 2026 concerning the Strengthening of the Mental Health System in Malaysia in the Dewan Rakyat.
Suhaizan, who is also Pulai MP, highlighted recent data showing a rising trend in depression cases among the adult population in the country. The prevalence of depression among Malaysians aged 16 and above increased from 2.3 percent in 2019 to 4.6 percent in 2023, impacting approximately one million individuals.
He noted that children and adolescents have also experienced a notable increase in mental health issues over the same period. Among children, mental health problems rose from 7.9 percent to 16.5 percent. For adolescents aged 13 to 17, one in four is experiencing depression, reflecting the pressures faced by the younger generation.
In response, Suhaizan stated that the committee has proposed 12 strategic recommendations to reform the support system, focusing on three main areas of strengthening. For critical intervention, he emphasized the expansion of crisis helplines, large-scale anti-stigma campaigns, and stricter ethical guidelines for media reporting.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) suggested the establishment of a one-stop centre to ensure assistance is coordinated effectively, taking into account the specific needs and eligibility criteria beyond the B40 group, as those in the M40 category also face financial pressures.
Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong) proposed that the ministry present an implementation plan with a clear timeline and key performance indicators. He also called for increased mental health workforce at the district level and strengthened early detection efforts in schools and communities.
Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) advocated for more intermediate care facilities, community care homes, and psychiatric rehabilitation centres to reduce reliance on psychiatric institutions.
Other MPs contributing to the debate included RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa), Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur), Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), and Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh).