Govt coordinating efforts to address mental health issues, says Dzulkefly
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Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Health Minister, emphasized that various factors contribute to young people's mental health struggles, including academic and career pressures, relationship issues, social media impact, and financial concerns. According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), approximately one million Malaysians aged 16 and above, or 4.6% of the population, suffer from depression, with the highest prevalence among 16-19-year-olds (7.9%) and 20-29-year-olds (7.6%).
In response to a parliamentary question on young people's mental well-being, Dzulkefly outlined the government's efforts to coordinate policies and initiatives through the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health. This centre is tasked with handling mental health crises, formulating policies, executing interventions, and delivering training.
He also welcomed the idea of creating an interministerial task force to unify expertise and enhance early intervention. Current cross-ministry programs, such as the Healthy Minds Programme with the Education Ministry and the Healthy Student Programme with the Higher Education Ministry, are already operational. Furthermore, the Health Ministry serves as a referral center for cases requiring more comprehensive assessment via KafeTeen services.
Post-partum depression, as highlighted in the 2022 NHMS, affects 11.2% of mothers, with nine out of ten remaining unaware of their condition. Dzulkefly noted that younger mothers and those living in urban areas are more susceptible to this issue. The minister stressed the collective responsibility of families, friends, and the community in identifying mental health signs in young people and facilitating early intervention and treatment.
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