The news that has gone viral that one in every four persons in Terengganu is suffering from mental illness is not true, Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said.

Ahmad Razif said the figures were actually referring to mental health issues, such as depression and stress.

"There are two different things with mental health, meaning madness and the patients need to take their medications, while mental health issues are common among many people.

"So this does not mean that every fourth person must be given medication as madness is not like that, it is not logical… this is my field, psychology, I was shocked to hear it. If it is true, then I should open a clinic because I have the licence," he said jokingly.

He was commenting on a news report which quoted a statement made by the state Health, Women, Family and Community Development chairperson, Roslee Daud, recently.

Ahmad Razif, who holds a Master's in Science (Counselling) degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia, said mental health issues such as depression and stress resulted from things like cost of living, and increase in the prices of goods.

- Bernama