KUALA LUMPUR: Goods and Services Tax (GST) does not contribute to mental illnesses suffered by about 300,000 Malaysians nationwide.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya while economic factors could lead to mental illnesses such as depression, paying for taxes was not among the causes.
"There are a lot of factors that lead to depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. But GST is not one of them," Dr Hilmi said.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) on whether economic issues stemmed from mismanagement, cost of living and GST had contributed to depression or other mental illnesses in the country.
Dr Hilmi, who was composed in his reply despite being held in stitches by the question, also let out a veiled joust against the DAP-led Penang government.
"Factors such as family problems and economy too can lead to mental illnesses.
"From the aspect of the economy, a lot (of problems) are in Penang," Dr Hilmi said.
The Penang government is currently embattled over its undersea tunnel project controversy.
Earlier in a reply to Tan's first question, Dr Hilmi said the National Morbidity and Health Survey in 2011 found 1.8 per cent of 300,000 Malaysians aged 16 and above were suffering from depression.
He said from 273,203 patients, 4.03 per cent (11,811) showed symptoms of mild depression, 1.26 per cent (3,680) showed moderate symptoms while 0.62 per cent (1,682) suffered severely.
Dr Hilmi said, "Program Minda Sihat" carried out on 253,196 Form 4 students showed 0.45 per cent (1,163) suffered from depression.
Report by Syed Umar Ariff, Rohaniza Idris, Idris Musa, Nur Lela Zulkipli, Ahmad Suhael Adnan and Siti Nur Mas Erah Amran