PSYCHOSOCIAL counselling may soon be expanded across social media platforms in a bid to offer greater reach for mental health support.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the platforms targeted are Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and Telegram.
“We are working to expand psychological counselling services,” he said, adding that the ministry will also approach social media influencers to assist in raising awareness on mental health.
He urged the Communications Ministry to place a focus on mental health issues, especially suicidal ideation, in tandem with efforts to curb fake news.
Lukanisman said this in response to a supplementary equation by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Makhota).
Saifuddin had asked about the ministry’s efforts in utilising social media to raise mental health awareness, especially among youth.
Separately, Lukanisman said 43,781 users of the MyMinda feature on the MySejahtera application reported suicidal tendencies.
He also highlighted the ministry’s efforts in providing psychosocial aid amid suicide rates in the country.
This includes the Talian HEAL 15555 helpline and mental health services available at Health Ministry facilities.
Lukanisman also said there is at least one Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service team present in each district nationwide to provide assistance.
“We have set up the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health which spearheads and coordinates mental health programmes and services,” he said.
Those suffering from mental health issues or are contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp) and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929.
Visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my).
