Befrienders Penang has expanded its outreach and training efforts, including collaborations with Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang Prison, schools and community groups.
Its chairman Saraswathi Subramaniam said volunteers remained central to the organisation’s work.
“We remain committed to strengthening our services and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles,” she said at its 49th annual general meeting in Tanjung Tokong.
According to figures presented at the meeting, last year, Befrienders Penang handled 11,805 calls and messages.
This was a steady rise from 7,129 contacts in 2021 and 11,704 in 2024.
However, Befrienders Penang duty director Lawrence Lim Kok Kee said the group faced a lack of trained volunteers, with mentors dropping by about 50% to 10, affecting training and supervision.
He said there were also shortages in duty volunteers and difficulties maintaining call stations and filling shifts, at times requiring last-minute appeals.
“However, these issues were addressed with the support of members and volunteers,” he said.
At a press conference, state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen stressed the need for responsible communication in the digital space.
“In the age of social media, anything posted online, including images or videos of such incidents, can be consumed by users as young as six or seven.
“We hope to encourage more responsible and sensitive sharing to minimise unintended harm.”
Gooi said efforts to promote safer practices were ongoing through engagement with the media and public.
Befrienders patron Tan Lean Kee, who is the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said reducing stigma remained key, noting that trust and education were needed to encourage more people, especially youths, to seek help.
“It’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” she said.
Penang Social Welfare Department deputy director Chitarthany Rajalingam said the agency provided financial assistance, including a RM3,000 annual state grant and federal administrative grants upon application.
She said the department offered counselling and psychological support services, including walk-in assistance for individuals in crisis.
