According to Ling Tian Soon, the Johor health and unity committee chairman, psychological and mental health services will soon be accessible through mobile clinics in Johor. He mentioned that the state government has allocated RM1.3 million for the mobile clinics in next year’s state budget. These clinics will involve various relevant agencies, including the Health Department and Darul Takzim Family Development Foundation.
Ling stated that non-governmental organizations will also be involved in the mobile clinic program, which is a state initiative set to be introduced in all 56 state constituencies in Johor next year. These mobile clinics are expected to offer basic medical treatment, screenings, dental care, and mental health services.
During his address to the Johor state assembly, Ling emphasized the need for mental health awareness as part of efforts to reduce the number of suicide cases. He revealed that 115 suicide cases were recorded in Johor last year, and 140 cases were recorded in 2021.
He also highlighted that the statistics showed an upward trend from 2018 to 2021 before a dip in numbers last year, and it remains an important issue to tackle. Ling pointed out that about 67% of the cases last year involved individuals aged 18 to 40 years old, while in 2021, it was 53.5%, and in 2020 it was also 53.5%.
Ling mentioned that the state has been taking proactive measures such as organizing health talks, forums, online mental health screenings, and counseling to address mental health issues, as a response to Amira Aisya Abd Aziz (Muda-Puteri Wangsa)’s query about the state government’s actions to tackle rising suicide cases and help those at risk.
For those facing problems or mental health issues, they can reach out to the following services: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 011-1959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
