Queen voices alarm over rising mental health crisis in Malaysian youth

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has expressed serious concern over worsening mental health issues affecting children and adolescents across the country, drawing attention to a public health challenge that mental health advocates say requires urgent intervention.

The Queen's remarks underscore growing awareness among Malaysia's leadership about the psychological wellbeing of young Malaysians, a demographic increasingly reporting elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Mental health professionals have noted that Malaysian youth face mounting pressures from academic demands, social media influence, and socioeconomic factors, all of which contribute to the rising prevalence of mental health disorders among children and teenagers.

The Queen's intervention comes as stakeholders in Malaysia's healthcare and education sectors have called for enhanced mental health services, improved access to counselling, and greater public awareness campaigns to address the issue among younger populations.

Malaysian officials and health advocates have previously flagged the need for comprehensive mental health strategies targeting schools, communities, and families to support the psychological wellbeing of the nation's youth.