Calls To Talian Kasih From Lonely M’sian Kids Sign of Bigger Problems

Recently, Hannah Yeoh, the Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, revealed that there have been 149 children calling Talian Kasih 15999 to talk about how lonely they are.

This number takes up 56% out of 264 calls received by this hotline meant for reporting domestic abuse!

On the surface, this may seem adorable – imagine kids randomly calling to tell you they’re lonely! But if you look at the bigger picture, this ‘loneliness’ actually stems from a more serious issue. 

“These calls come from children who mention that they’re lonely and just need someone to talk to. This is why it’s important to keep up a good relationship between parents and kids.

Since it’s school holiday season, I really hope parents are keeping an eye on their children, monitoring how they use their gadgets and making sure they’re participating in healthy activities.” 

Hannah Yeoh,
Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development via Astro Awani

Twitterjaya weighed in, saying that parents aren’t the only ones to be blamed and that it’s more of a chain reaction.

Some of them believe that parents are overworked due to low wages.

This user explains the reality of how Malaysian parents try to make ends meet.

On the other hand, there are also users who agreed with Hannah Yeoh.

Some of them (presumably parents themselves), blame smartphones instead.

Some feel that parents shouldn’t be making their careers an excuse to neglect their kids.

We feel that such an issue should be tackled both at home and on a national scale. The fact that so kids as young as 10 years old are calling Befrienders these days should be enough sign of how alarming this is.

What is your stand? Let us know on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.