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Mental Health Assistance Is As Critical As Financial Aid, According To The Latest Statistics

Mental Health Assistance Is As Critical As Financial Aid, According To The Latest Statistics

A total of 11,802 of calls were made to KPWKM’s helpline Talian Kasih since the start of MCO 3.0

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Since the start of MCO 3.0 a little over a month ago on 1 June, the Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Ministry has received an alarming 11,802 phone calls through their Talian Kasih helpline.

KPWKM’s minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun told Berita Harian that the concerning statistics shows that people require access to mental health assistance just as much as they need financial aid.

A breakdown of the 11,802 calls for help made from 1 June

  • 203 related to child abuse
  • 463 domestic violence
  • 1,913 inquiries about aid
  • 575 counselling services

Rina goes on to say that the lack of aid or access to psycho-social support can bring about mental issues, even more so in vulnerable families with weak support systems.

What is being done?

KPWKM through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), has issued RM2.2 billion in monthly assistance for 2021, which is RM400 million more than RM1.8 billion stipulated last month.

In addition to public initiatives, Rina also revealed the ministry’s early discussions with e-hailing platform Grab Malaysia, to transport vulnerable groups like OKU (persons with disabilities) to their Covid-19 vaccination appointments.

Under the PEMULIH Recovery Plan, the government is also allocating RM15 million to non-governmental organisations or NGOs to assist in addressing social issues such as mental health.

READ MORE: PEMULIH Recovery Plan: Part 1 – For The Rakyat

The lack of mental health is a leading cause of suicide

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) recorded 631 suicide cases in 2020 and 468 cases in a 5-month period from January to May 2021.

Despite global statistics that show men are more likely to commit suicide than women, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director, Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said women made up most of the casualties in Malaysia with 1,427 reported in 2019 to May 2021 while men only 281.

Abd Jalil said the three main causes of suicide were the victims facing family problems, emotional and financial stress.

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health issues, here are a few resources to help you:

MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (MMHA) @+6 03 2780 6803 | E-mail: admin@mmha.org.my | Website: https://mmha.org.my/

BEFRIENDERS @ KL: +6 03 7956 8145 (24 hours), Ipoh: +6 05 547 7933 (4pm to 11pm), Penang: +6 04 281 5161 (3pm to midnight) | E-Mail: sam@befrienders.org.my | Website: https://www.befrienders.org.my/

ALL WOMEN’S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM) @ Telenita helpline:  +6 03 7877 0224 | E-Mail: awam@awam.org.my | Website: https://www.awam.org.my

Read More: Need Help? There Are Free Mental Health Resources For You In Your Preferred Languages


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