Eight telcos to waive call charges to Befrienders hotline from Aug 1

PETALING JAYA: Eight telecommunications companies will waive call charges made to the Befrienders' helpline effective Aug 1, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to the MCMC, the eight telecommunications companies are Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Berhad, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, TIME dotcom Berhad, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Webe Digital Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.

"Suicidal symptoms are a tragedy in every society, regardless of social, moral and economic aspects.

"Among the key steps that need to be taken is to eliminate the stigma in the community against mental illness and suicidal symptoms through assistance such as enabling access to the Befrienders, which is now free for those who need advice, counselling and emotional support.

"As we advance through digitalisation, a collaborative effort that focuses on ways to leverage social media and the latest technology to identify those most at risk, can be explored," said its chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak in a statement on Wednesday (July 24).

Al-Ishsal also believes that suicidal symptoms can be prevented and eradicated with collective efforts from various stakeholders, including the Government and industry players.

Befrienders is a not-for-profit organisation which provides emotional support at any time to people who are lonely, distressed, in despair or having suicidal thoughts.

Those in need of someone to talk to can call the Befrienders KL at 03-7956 8145, or 04-281 5161/1108 in Penang, or 05-547 7933/7955 in Ipoh or email [e-mail]