(From left) Ras Adiba, Yatela, Tunku Imran, Anita and Aaron during the handing over of RM1.3mil from YSD to Miasa.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (Miasa) has partnered with Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) to launch an improvised crisis helpline service in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2023 and Miasa’s sixth anniversary.
The service is accessible through a 24-hour hotline (1-800-180-066) and via WhatsApp (03-9765 6088) with a focus on delivering on-ground crisis intervention by trained practitioners.
YSD chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said, “It’s essential to make mental health support easily accessible, fostering a safe, caring environment and normalising help-seeking behaviour.”
In line with this year’s theme “Mental Health Is A Universal Human Right”, Miasa aims to enhance mental health support and raise awareness to combat the stigma related to challenges like stress, anxiety and depression.
Through YSD’s support and funding, Miasa has been empowered to make a significant impact, aiding over 6,000 individuals this year through its MIASA-YSD 1800 helpline.
Miasa president Anita Abu Bakar said the initiative was launched in 2018 with 20 individuals working 12-hour days using their personal mobile phones to aid those in distress
It has now evolved into a formidable force.
“We have now trained almost 200 members of the public to serve as crisis responders.
“These individuals come from all walks of life, both professionally and personally, with the majority having personal experience dealing with mental health conditions,” she said.
Also present during the launch at Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur was YSD chief executive officer Yatela Zainal Abidin.
Yatela said the partnership aimed to create long-term impact on the community, with a particular focus on the B40 group, by enhancing access to a helpline.
YSD’s RM1.3mil support to Miasa over two years will go towards covering essential operational costs including salaries, postgraduate scholarships, volunteer allowances and capacity building for staff and volunteers.
Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi spoke of the importance of reaching out to those with mental health problems rather than passing judgement.
“Often, people are hesitant to discuss this issue as openly as we do; they tend to internalise their struggles because it’s painful.
“What we are accomplishing today holds tremendous significance because in essence, we are saving lives,” she said.
Actor Datuk Aaron Aziz encouraged parents to watch their children closely, as today’s generation spent significant time on the Internet and social media, which could have profound impact on their mental health.
“Parents should understand that mental stress is unlike physical injuries such as bruises, coughs or sore throats, which are immediately visible.
“So, don’t wait until your children make a mistake, instead educate and assist them in this regard,” he said.
The Miasa Academy, an educational initiative dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and advocacy through various programmes, was also inaugurated on the day.
According to Miasa, individuals who sought help often had suicidal thoughts and tendencies, but every life lost could be prevented.
It aimed for the helpline to be widely shared as part of crisis prevention.
“If the public fulfils their roles effectively, suicides can be prevented,” she said, adding that “three-quarters” of their work was providing hands-on assistance.
“We’re seeking additional resources as currently the demand is high, whoever may be interested to volunteer.
“We request your time and compassion – dedicating just four hours a week to the crisis hotline can make a life-saving difference by providing a listening ear,” Anita said.
For details, visit the Miasa website or contact the helpline.
