Mobile mental health services to be accessible in Johor soon

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Psychological and mental health services will become more accessible through mobile clinics that will be introduced in Johor soon, says Ling Tian Soon.

The Johor health and unity committee chairman said the state government has allocated RM1.3mil for the mobile clinics under next year’s state budget.

He added that these clinics will involve the relevant agencies, such as the Health Department and Darul Takzim Family Development Foundation.

“Non-governmental organisations will also be roped in for the mobile clinic programme, which is a state initiative that will be introduced in stages at all 56 state constituencies in Johor next year,” said Ling.

He added that these mobile clinics will offer basic medical treatment, screenings and dental care along with mental health services.

“There is a need for mental health awareness as part of our efforts to reduce the number of suicide cases,” he told the Johor state assembly at Kota Iskandar here on Wednesday (Nov 29).

Ling added that 115 suicide cases were recorded in Johor last year and 140 cases were recorded in 2021.

“The statistics were on the upward trend from 2018 until 2021 before dipping last year, and it remains an important issue to tackle. About 67% of the cases last year involved those aged 18 to 40 years old whereas in 2021, it was 53.5% while in 2020 it was 53.5%,” he said.

He added that the state has been taking proactive measures such as organising health talks, forums, online mental health screenings and counseling to address mental health issues.

Ling said this in response to Amira Aisya Abd Aziz (Muda-Puteri Wangsa)’s query about the actions taken by the state government to tackle rising suicide cases and help those who are at risk.

Those facing problems or mental health issues can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp [phone]); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp [phone]); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).