29.5% of Kelantan teens experience moderate to severe depression, assembly told

Kelantan's Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee Chairman Hilmi Abdullah revealed that approximately 29.5% of teenagers aged 13 to 19 in the state experienced moderate to severe depression during a mental health screening conducted in 2025. Chairman Abdullah emphasized that adults aged 20 to 39 exhibited higher rates of anxiety, at 47%, compared to their teenage counterparts.

During a recent state legislative assembly sitting, Hilmi provided insights into the mental health status of Kelantan's youth, stating that various initiatives have been implemented throughout the state to support those in need. The measures include the Minda Sejahtera Community Programme (K-MINDSET), suicide prevention training, provision of mental health and psychosocial support services, and psychosocial rehabilitation programs.

So far, each district has established two K-MINDSET localities, totaling 164 volunteers, who offer support and assistance. Furthermore, a specialized module for adolescent and youth mental health, incorporating interactive gamification, has been developed to engage the target group effectively. To enhance accessibility, the state health department has introduced an online Minda Sihat screening platform, enabling self-screening, immediate results, and access to help channels.