Malaysia is grappling with a deepening mental health crisis, as the number of citizens aged 16 and above living with depression has surged past one million, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023. The figure marks a twofold increase compared to the half a million cases recorded in 2019, underscoring an urgent public health challenge.
Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, highlighting the survey findings, stressed that mental health must be treated as a critical pillar for building a resilient and productive society. She said the sharp rise in cases – from 2.3% to 4.6% of the population – was more than a statistic, but a serious reality that required immediate action.
The situation is particularly alarming among children. The survey revealed that one in six Malaysian children between the ages of five and 15 are now grappling with mental health issues, a development Dr Wan Azizah described as a wake-up call. The growing prevalence among the younger generation, she warned, could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s future if not addressed urgently.
Speaking during the launch of the Wanita Kaseh Programme by Tekun Nasional at Dataran Pantai Morib, Dr Wan Azizah emphasised that mental wellbeing is not only a health concern but also a vital component of economic strength. She noted that women entrepreneurs, in particular, need to strike a balance between work and personal health to remain resilient in the face of constant competition.
She encouraged women to take their wellbeing seriously, reminding them that the pressures of earning a living should never come at the expense of health. Adopting healthy lifestyles, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing effective stress management were highlighted as essential measures. Balanced women, she added, are better positioned to lead their families and contribute meaningfully to society.
At the same event, Tekun Nasional chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid joined Dr Wan Azizah in presenting RM337,000 in business financing to eight entrepreneurs from Kuala Langat and Sepang. The assistance, distributed under five separate funding schemes, was part of the Morib Tekun Madani Carnival.
The NHMS 2023 findings, however, place a stark reminder before policymakers and society alike: without prioritising mental health, both economic progress and social wellbeing stand on fragile ground.
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