Befrienders get more calls over money woes

JOHOR BARU: Befrienders Johor Baru has been getting more calls from the public who are worried about the rising cost of living.

Its president Danny Loo (pic) said that while there was generally no sharp increase in the number of calls of late, most of the calls they received were related to monetary woes.

“During the movement control orders, most calls were from people talking about their concerns of business slowing down or getting retrenched.

“Now, we notice that most of our callers are worried about the rising cost of living.

“Some are unsure if they could get by as their salary remains the same while the price of goods keeps increasing,” he said.

Loo added that most of the calls in the past few months were from women, including homemakers.

“Previously, most of our callers were male but of late, we have been getting more calls from women.

“We are also getting some calls from senior citizens who share similar woes,” he said.

Loo said the calls were mostly made by working adults between the ages of 25 and 50.

On another matter, he said he also noted a reduction in the amount of donations they received in the past few months.

“We are still getting donations from the public but the amount they are giving is lower than usual.

“Many still want to contribute and do good deeds but are unable to give much as they also have financial worries.

“I believe the rising cost of living has caused this situation,” he added.

Those in need of help can contact the Befrienders service nearest to them.

Johor Baru Befrienders can be reached at 07-267 0707.

For a full list of numbers as well as operating hours, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia or call 03-7627 2929.