Malaysia faces a projected economic burden of RM25.3 billion from mental health issues by 2030 if no effective interventions occur, the Special Select Committee on Health said today in Dewan Rakyat [1, 2, 3]. Chairman Suhaizan Kaiat presented Report DR.4 2026 on strengthening the mental health system, emphasizing the urgency to act [1].
Suhaizan told lawmakers the rising costs prove that mental health is not solely a clinical issue but also a major economic and productivity concern that affects the country’s future. "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 [1].
Mental health problems have worsened sharply in recent years. The prevalence of depression among Malaysians aged 16 and above rose from 2.3% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2023, impacting approximately one million people [1, 2]. Among children, mental health problems doubled from 7.9% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2023. For adolescents aged 13 to 17, one in four suffers from depression [1, 2]. Suhaizan described these figures as a reflection of the pressures on young Malaysians today [2].
The committee proposed 12 strategic recommendations to overhaul the mental health support system. Key interventions include expanding crisis helpline capacity, launching large-scale anti-stigma campaigns, and enforcing stricter ethical guidelines for media reporting on mental health [1, 2, 3].
The report highlights the growing socio-economic toll of mental illness and calls for comprehensive reforms to reduce the burden. Without effective action, the costs will continue to rise sharply, impacting productivity and social welfare.
The committee's report was formally presented in the Dewan Rakyat on June 22, 2026, marking a key step toward addressing mental health challenges nationwide [1, 2, 3].
