PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 — An estimated 40 per cent of Malaysians will suffer mental health problems in their lifetime, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

She said that a 2017 survey by the Health Ministry found 18,336 Malaysians out of 273,203 screened were facing various levels of stress that caused them to suffer mental health problems.

"Out of this total, 11,811 people suffer from mild emotional stress, moderate moderation of 3,680 and 1,682 severe stress,” she said in her speech to mark World Mental Health Day 2018 here.

She said Malaysians must stop ostracising those with mental health issues.

She said some religions also saw mental health problems as signs of weak faith.

Dr Wan Azizah said mental health problems should be viewed in the same light as physical health issues.

 "The sooner we change this perception is better for all of us,” she said.

Citing a report, she said there was growing prevalence of mental health issues among youths.

 She said this should be taken as an early warning sign.

 She said the government must plan ahead for the facilities and treatment needed to address the matter.