PUTRAJAYA: Calls to the Befrienders helpline will be free-of-charge effective Aug 1.
This follows the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) initiative to join forces with eight telecommunications operators to waive call charges made by customers to the Befrienders.
They are Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, TIME dotcom Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Webe Digital Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, said MCMC in a statement today.
MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said: “Among the key steps that need to be taken to eliminate the stigma in the community against mental illness and suicidal symptoms are through assistance such as enabling access to Befrienders, which is now free for those who need advice, counselling and emotional support.
“As we advance through digitalisation, a collaborative effort that focuses on ways to leverage social media and latest technology to identify those most at risk, can be explored.”
Recently, Gobind said no one should be excluded from the country’s digital shift.
Befrienders is a non-profit organisation that provides emotional support to the distressed and suicidal 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Callers can express their problems and dilemmas anonymously to trained volunteers at Befrienders. All conversations are confidential.
Befrienders can be contacted at 03-79568145/8144 or email sam@befrienders.org.my for assistance.
For details on Befrienders helpline in other states, visit www.befrienders.org.my. - Bernama