Malaysia’s Talian HEAL 15555 saw calls double to 90,981 last year, with most from young adults and 451 cases involving suicidal behaviour.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health recorded a twofold increase in calls to the Talian HEAL 15555 helpline last year compared with 2024.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a total of 90,981 calls were received last year, up significantly from 42,990 calls in 2024.
Most calls came from individuals aged 18 to 35.
Dr Dzulkefly said it was difficult to attribute the increase to a single factor, but noted that more people are now willing to come forward to seek help.
“Various factors may have contributed, including life pressures and increased awareness of the importance of seeking mental health support,” he told reporters.
The helpline received 163,709 calls between October 2022 and December last year.
Of these, 125,417 callers, or 77%, received emotional support.
The remaining 38,292 were provided with specialised interventions by counselling psychologists.
He added that helpline personnel handled 451 cases involving suicidal behaviour, including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
“Of these, 294 cases of suicidal ideation received intervention, while 157 suicide attempt cases were referred through the activation of MERS999,” he said.
This was done with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police and emergency departments.
“All individuals involved were successfully brought to hospital for further treatment,” he said.
