KUALA LUMPUR: Psychosocial counselling services are being mulled for use on social media platforms, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the platforms targeted were Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Telegram.
“The Health Ministry is working to expand psychological counselling services here,” he said, adding that they are also approaching social media influencers to assist in raising awareness on mental health.
The deputy minister also urged the Communications Ministry to place a focus on mental health issues, especially suicidal ideation, in tandem with its efforts to curb fake news.
Lukanisman said this in response to a supplementary equation by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Makhota) in Parliament on Monday (Nov 24).
Saifuddin had asked about the ministry’s efforts to use social media to raise mental health awareness, especially among youth.
Separately, Lukanisman said some 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 amidst suicide rates in the country.
This includes the Talian HEAL 15555 helpline and mental health services available at Health Ministry facilities.
Lukanisman said there is also at least one Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services Team present in each district nationwide, to provide assistance.
“The ministry has also 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).
