Mental health patients in Pahang increased from 1,721 in 2020 to 3,076 in 2024, driven by life pressures and economic challenges
KUANTAN: The number of mental health patients in Pahang has risen steadily over the past five years.
State Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim revealed the figures at the state assembly sitting.
New patients totalled 1,721 in 2020, increasing to 1,791 in 2021, 1,972 in 2022, 2,508 in 2023 and 3,076 in 2024.
“Among the contributing factors to mental health issues and mental illness are life pressures and economic challenges, including rising living costs, unemployment and household debt,” he said.
He added that family and social issues such as domestic conflict, divorce and lack of emotional support are also key contributors.
Chronic health problems and disasters, including post-COVID-19 effects, floods and loss of property, were also cited as factors.
Razali was replying to a question from Hassanuddin Salim (PN-Kuala Semantan) on the issue.
The Pahang Health Department has implemented various initiatives to strengthen mental health.
These include early screening and outreach programmes in schools, workplaces and communities.
As of May, a total of 34,727 individuals statewide had undergone screening.
From that number, 541 were referred for further intervention and 70 were confirmed to have mental illness.
In a separate reply, State Islamic Affairs, Rural Development and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad detailed federal funding.
The Federal Government has spent more than RM39 million to fund 411 Sejati MADANI programmes across Pahang as of Nov 20.
Kuantan recorded the highest number of approved programmes with 75.
The ‘Kampung Angkat MADANI’ adopted village initiative currently involves 17 villages.
Four villages were involved in 2024, each receiving an allocation of RM2.5 million.
Thirteen villages will participate in 2025, each receiving RM1 million. – Bernama
