MALAYSIA needs more psychologists to provide counselling for those mentally affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The director-general of health said the 148 psychologists available were not enough.

“The ratio now is one counsellor for 52,000 people when it should be one counsellor for 500 people.

“We are working with other agencies (to provide counselling) and to date we have received 9,338 calls on our careline,” he said today at daily press conference in Putrajaya.

More than half of the calls were stress-related, he said.

He said other callers had problems related to the loss of employment and interpersonal relationships or wanted information on the coronavirus and welfare assistance. 

“About 18% were given counselling regarding their fears and worries over Covid-19. 

“There was also relationship issues such as marital problems; about 7% was about spousal abuse.”

Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry has upgraded its services to address mental health issues through its digital systems. 

“We also provide support through our helpline and virtual counselling services using the latest applications.” – June 3, 2020.