Malaysia sees surge in mental health calls

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (MNTV) – Malaysia’s mental health helpline – Talian HEAL 15555 – is ringing more than ever. 

In 2023, some 27,738 calls were received. Last year, however, the number swelled. Close to 91,000 calls were received in 2025, marking a twofold increase compared to the number of calls received by the mental health helpline in 2024 (42,990), reports ANN.

“This is very worrying. It is also difficult to identify what caused the spike in calls, but we can see that many are more willing to seek help, alongside the destigmatization of mental health issues,” said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. “This is multifactorial, and it is difficult to pinpoint any specific factors.”

Also concerning is the fact that a majority of callers were from the 18-to-35-year-old age group, said the minister.

Dzulkefly added that a total of 163,709 calls were received bet­ween Oct 21, 2022, and Dec 31 last year.

Of the calls received between 2022 and 2025, Dzukefly said some 125,417 (77%) received emo­tional support, whereas 38,292 (23%) received special intervention measures from psychology counselling officers.

A total of 451 cases recorded elements of suicide ideation and suicide attempts, which were handled by the Talian HEAL officers.

“Some 294 cases of suicide ideation received direct intervention, while 157 suicide attempts were referred to the MERS999 line, where immediate action was taken by the police and emergency departments,” he said. 

Talian HEAL 15555 was esta­blished in 2022. It is operated daily by counselling officers from the Health Ministry.