PUTRAJAYA: Calls to mental health helpline Talian Heal 15555 doubled to exceed 90,000 last year compared to 2024, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said a total of 90,981 calls were received last year as compared to 42,990 in 2024 and 27,738 in 2022.
“This is very worrying. It is also difficult to identify what caused the spike in calls but we can see that many are more willing to seek help alongside the stigmatisation of mental health issues.
“This is multifactorial and difficult to pinpoint any specific factors,” he said on Tuesday (Jan 6).
The majority of calls last year, he said, came from those aged between the 18-35 age group.
“There is always the need to reinforce support and help,” he added.
Dzulkefly said this when asked about updates to the Talian Heal line, after delivering his New Year’s address to ministry staff.
The Health Minister added that a total of 163,709 calls were received between Oct 21, 2022 and Dec 31 last year.
On average, he said Talian Heal receives about 80 calls a day.
“Of the number, some 125,417 (77%) received emotional support whereas 38,292 (23%) received special intervention measures by psychology counselling officers,” he said.
He said that a total of 451 cases recorded elements of suicide ideation and suicide attempts, which were handled by the Talian Heal officers.
“294 cases of suicide ideation received direct intervention while 157 suicide attempts were referred to the MERS999 line, where immediate action was take by the police and emergency departments,” he said.
The Talian Heal 15555 helpline is operated by Health Ministry counselling officers daily from 8am until midnight, including public holidays.
Additionally, those experiencing problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, or visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
