PUTRAJAYA, Jan 6 — The Health Ministry (MOH) recorded a twofold increase in calls to the Talian HEAL 15555 helpline last year compared with 2024, according to its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Approximately 90,981 calls were received last year, up significantly from 42,990 calls in 2024, with most calls coming from individuals aged 18 to 35.
Talian HEAL 15555 helpline is Malaysia’s national mental health support service operated by the MOH.
He 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,” Dr Dzulkefly told the media after his New Year 2026 Address today.
He added that the helpline received 163,709 calls between October 2022 and December last year.
Of these, 125,417 callers, or 77 per cent, received emotional support, while the remaining 38,292 were provided with specialised interventions by counselling psychologists.
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, with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police and emergency departments.
“All individuals involved were successfully brought to the hospital for further treatment,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
