It is estimated that about 300,000 out of 1.2 million people in Kelantan are having mental health problems due to various issues including drug abuse, depression and family problems.

Kelantan Health Department director, Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Mahir said the number was based on a study conducted by the Health Ministry last year.

"Many of them are women aged between 16 and 24," he told reporters after the launching of the state-level World Mental Health Day commemoration at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), here, today.

The event was launched by Bachok Parliamentary Constituency Agriculture Development Council deputy chairman, Datuk Dr Ilias Hussain.

Dr Ahmad Razin said people with mental health problems were at the highest risk of suffering mental illness if not treated early.

He said Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital and Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital here were providing psychiatric services.

"The Tanah Merah Hospital and Kuala Krai Hospital provide outpatient psychiatric services, while the hospitals in other districts provide the services periodically.

"There are also 10 psychosocial rehabilitation centres in Kelantan, including one at the Bachok Health Clinic," he added. -- Bernama