Youth mental health in Malaysia linked to school pressure, social media and finances

Malaysia's health minister said a recent survey shows depression affects about one million people, with the highest rates among 16- to 29-year-olds, driven by academic stress, relationship issues, social media and money problems.

2 outlets1h agoImportance 4/10

According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey identified depression in 4.6% of Malaysians aged 16+, amounting to about one million people. The survey found the greatest burden among youths, with 7.9% of those aged 16-19 and 7.6% of those aged 20-29 reporting depressive symptoms. Key contributors were pressure to succeed academically and professionally, relationship problems, the impact of social media and financial hardships.

The minister also noted that the 2022 survey showed 11.2% of postpartum mothers suffered depression, most unaware of their condition, especially younger and urban mothers. Existing interministerial efforts include the School Healthy Mind Programme, the Healthy Student Programme, Kem Belia @ Rakan Prihatin training and PLKN 3.0, while the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health coordinates policy and referrals, including through KafeTeen. The ministry expressed support for establishing a dedicated interministerial task force to boost early interventions across education, employment, family and community sectors.

How the sides frame it

MODERATE AGREEMENT

Center coverage highlights personal anecdotes and stark prevalence figures to stress the emotional toll on students, while right-leaning coverage presents broader survey statistics and links mental health issues to academic pressure, social media and finances, also noting government programmes.

CENTER

Centrist coverage frames the story as a crisis of youth wellbeing, underscored by a student’s exhaustion and alarming depression and suicide rates.

RIGHT

Right-leaning coverage frames the story as a data-driven issue, attributing youth depression to academic and financial pressures, social media, and outlining existing policy responses.

The right emphasises

7.9% of 16-19-year-olds report depressive symptoms.
Key contributors: school pressure, social media, finances.
Government programmes like the School Healthy Mind Programme.

Synthesised by Briev

Updated 25 Oct 2026, 07:48 UTC