Economic pressures are taking a toll on the mental well-being of Selangor residents, with the state’s free counselling helpline recording a spike in distress calls over the last three years.
State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Talian Selangor Mental Sihat (Sehat) received over 800 calls last year, a sharp increase from 610 in 2023 and about 300 in 2022.
She said about a fifth of the callers were youth, highlighting the growing need for emotional support among the younger generation.
“The helpline, a free weekday counselling service, serves as a first point of contact for those in need of support.
“It is part of the ‘Selangor Mental Sihat’ programme, which aims to assist individuals facing mental health challenges,” she said during the Selangor state assembly sitting in Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam yesterday.
Jamaliah added that under the initiative, patients could receive financial assistance of up to RM1,000 per month for treatment.
In 2025, she said about half of the recipients were youth.
She was responding to questions from Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad (PN-Sungai Kandis) on mental health support programmes for youth and if there were plans to make support services available round-the-clock.
Currently, the helpline operates on weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
“We are assessing whether to extend operating hours or tailor the service specifically for groups, such as youth.”
To a query by Yew Jia Haur (PH-Teratai) on reaching those unaware of their need for intervention, Jamaliah said the state was considering a peer support system in schools.
Under the proposal, students would undergo two months of training to serve as peer counsellors.
“They will be the first line of support for youth before they seek help from professional counsellors or psychiatrists.
“It is meant to be more relatable for youth, especially those going through life transitions.”
Talian Sehat can be reached at 1-700-82-7536 or 7537.
Separately, the House also heard that the rapid growth of data centres in Selangor is placing increased pressure on the state’s water supply and security, with daily demand projected to hit 79 million litres of water by 2030, according to a National Water Services Commission (SPAN) report.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the government was assessing the impact, noting that most data centres required between 20 and 30 million litres a day.
He said a significant challenge involved the longevity of these facilities compared to the time needed to build infrastructure.
“Many centres cannot guarantee that they will remain operational beyond 10 years.
“That timeframe is insufficient to develop new treatment plants, thus placing strain on existing supply facilities.”
Izham was responding to Mu’izzudeen Mahyudin (PN-Hulu Bernam) who raised concerns over how prepared the state government was to juggle demand by water-intensive sectors and residential consumers.
Mu’izzudeen also sought updates on the Selangor Water Master Plan 2026 being drafted.
Izham said the state was currently appointing a consultant to carry out studies to complete the master plan, with costs estimated at RM5mil.
“Phase One, which will take 15 months, involves engagement sessions and workshops to collect data.
“Phase Two, expected to take six months, will produce action plans for relevant agencies.”
He added that the plan would factor in population growth, economic expansion and climate change.
To strengthen supply, Izham said more than 140 retention ponds with a combined capacity of 167 million cubic metres have been identified for raw storage.
In addition, he said the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) gazetted 20 alternative sources and would carry out controlled dam releases to dilute pollutants in rivers during dry spells.
