Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung said having counsellors on-site at elected representatives’ offices allow them to support constituents professionally, not just offer sympathy. She said constituents often arrive with complex personal and family issues, requiring intervention. (Courtesy photo)
STATIONING mental health counsellors at Johor assemblymen’s offices will help the public get easier access to support amid rising cases of stress, anxiety and depression.
Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung said this would allow professional services to be provided to constituents grappling with complex personal and family issues.
“Sometimes we meet constituents who are clearly under immense pressure.
“Having counsellors on-site allows us to support them professionally, not just offer sympathy,” she told StarMetro.
Liow: Stress, depression, anxiety becoming more common and the public should be able to seek help at assemblymen’s offices (above).
She said the initiative has been implemented in Selangor under the Selangor Mental Sihat programme where members of the public could walk into several assemblymen’s offices for help.
She noted that in Johor Budget 2026, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced an allocation of RM774,000 for a counselling clinic programme aimed at enhancing mental health awareness among civil servants.
She said more efforts were needed as mental health issues were increasingly affecting adults and youth across communities.
“Bullying at the workplace, in school or within a community, as well as stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and burnout are becoming more common.
“These are not personal weaknesses but the result of various external pressures, and this calls for better intervention efforts.”
Liow said stable mental well-being had far-reaching benefits for people.
These included better decision-making, healthier relationships, reduced risk of drug use and social problems, improved work performance and stronger family and community ties.
To address rising mental health concerns, she urged the state government to expand access to services through a more comprehensive and progressive approach such as setting up a health hub and round-the-clock hotline.
“This can also help raise awareness and support individuals in need of assistance,” she said, adding that she raised the matter during the November state assembly sitting.
Liow also suggested free counselling services for the public, building on existing services such as those offered by National Population and Family Development Board.
These services could be further expanded through state agencies like Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation, she said.
“Subsidised psychiatric and psychological treatment, systematic training and placement of counselling teachers in schools and certified mental health courses for volunteers, community leaders and frontline personnel are also vital.
“Collaboration between the state, private sector and non-governmental organisations is essential to equip communities with the knowledge to identify early signs of distress and encourage individuals to seek help,” she added.
Those facing psychological and emotional distress can call these Befrienders branches: Johor Baru (07-267 0707, Muar (06-225 0792), Melaka (06-225 0791) and Seremban (06-632 1772/3).
For a full list of numbers as well as operating hours, visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia or call 03-7627 2929.
Alternatively, Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia also offers a 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-180-066 and WhatsApp support line at 03-9765 6088 manned by trained volunteers.
