GEORGE TOWN: Growing willingness to seek help for mental health problems is bringing more people to government clinics, including parents concerned about their children’s emotional well-being.
Tanjung Bungah Health Clinic head and family medicine specialist Dr Leow Hong Tee said this is particularly important for children and teenagers, as early intervention could help prevent their problems from worsening.
He said mental health problems among Malaysians aged 16 and above had doubled from 2.3% (about 500,000 people) in 2019 to 4.6% (about one million) in 2023, based on figures from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) and the Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System.
“Half of those affected have thoughts of self-harm or feel they would be better off dead,” he said at the opening of MindFest: Mental Wellness Festival 2026 at the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang campus yesterday.
He cited the case of a 16-year-old girl from a broken family, who developed depression due to a lack of parental affection and pressure at school.
“She began skipping school, throwing tantrums and behaving aggressively. Her mother brought her to the clinic, where she received counselling and medication. She is now being homeschooled and will sit for SPM next year.”
Dr Leow said one in six Malaysian children have mental health problems, while one in four adolescents experience depression.
“Among children, 46% faced peer problems, 25% behavioural issues, 17% emotional issues and 8% hyperactivity.
“The NHMS 2022 Adolescent Health Survey found that 26.9% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 had depression, 13.1% had suicidal thoughts and 9.5% had attempted suicide.
“The findings also highlighted other vulnerable groups, with 11.2% of mothers experiencing postpartum depression and nine out of 10 mothers unaware of their condition,” he said.
Befrienders Penang volunteer L. Selvi, 57, said more people, including primary school pupils, are reaching out for someone to listen to them.
“Some feel lonely, while others face bullying and difficult emotions. Most callers speak about stress involving school, work or relationships,” she said.
The group receives more than 30 calls and up to 30 WhatsApp messages daily.
The chapter operates daily from 3pm to midnight, extending its service until 3am on Saturdays.
It can be reached at 04-291 0100 or via WhatsApp at 011-5670 6261.
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur operates a 24-hour hotline at 03-7627 2929.
TAR UMT Penang head Prof Dr Janice Toh said the festival featured mental wellness booths and eight workshops.
