KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The economic cost and burden from mental health issues in Malaysia is projected to reach RM25.3 billion by 2030 if effective interventions are not taken to address the issue, said Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health chairman Suhaizan Kaiat.
He added that the projected surge in financial impact shows the issue is no longer just a clinical concern, but one that has direct bearing on the country’s productivity and socio-economic development.
“The committee was informed that the economic burden of mental health issues in Malaysia could reach RM25.3 billion by 2030 if no effective action is taken. This figure shows that mental health is not only a treatment issue, but also an issue of the economy, productivity, and the future of our beloved country,” he said when presenting a statement on strengthening of the mental health system in Malaysia in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Suhaizan, who is also Pulai MP, said recent data on the rising trend of depression cases shows worrying figures among the adult population in the country.
“The prevalence of depression among Malaysians aged 16 and above rose from 2.3 per cent in 2019 to 4.6 per cent in 2023, equivalent to about one million people being affected by mental health issues,” he said.
He noted that children and adolescents have also recorded a concerning upward trend over the same period.
“Among children, mental health problems increased from 7.9 per cent to 16.5 per cent over the same period. For adolescents aged 13 to 17, one in four is experiencing depression. These are not just figures, but a reflection of the pressures faced by our younger generation,” he added.
In view of this, Suhaizan said the committee has put forward 12 strategic recommendations through a comprehensive approach to reform the existing support system, covering three main areas.
For critical intervention and immediate action, he stressed the need to expand the capacity of crisis helplines, launch large-scale anti-stigma campaigns, and enforce stricter ethical guidelines for media reporting.
Meanwhile, Datuk Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya), during the debate on the statement, proposed the government establish a one-stop centre to ensure aid is better coordinated and more effectively delivered, based on accurate data and the specific needs of each household.
“Assistance should not be limited solely to the B40 group, as a significant number of those in the M40 category are facing mounting financial pressures, causing many of them to miss out on the protection they deserve,” he said.
Lim Lip Eng (Harapan-Kepong) proposed that the ministry table a plan with a clear timeline and key performance indicators (KPIs), in addition to expediting the filling of critical posts and boosting the mental health workforce according to district-level needs.
He also proposed strengthening early detection efforts in schools and communities, including expanding Community Mental Health Centres (Mentari) and intervention teams for the homeless and other vulnerable groups, while ensuring crisis support and emergency referral services function swiftly without bureaucratic delays.
Teresa Kok Suh Sim (Harapan-Seputeh) proposed the establishment of more intermediate care facilities, community care homes and psychiatric rehabilitation centres, in addition to hospitals, to reduce dependence on psychiatric institutions.
Other MPs who participated in the debate were RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa), Lee Chuan How (Harapan-Ipoh Timur), Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), and Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh).
