NEARLY 35% of the 30,075 callers to Befrienders Kuala Lumpur last year were suicidal.

Befrienders executive director Kenny Lim said almost half of the callers had mental health issues or relationship or family problems.

He said the number of callers increased every year. Befrienders received 26,927 calls in 2017 and 24,821 in 2016.

“Of the total 30,075 calls received last year, 66.2% were female callers and 31.7% were male while 2.1%, were gender unknown,” he said in an interview with Bernama.

Those in the 21-29 age group made up 19.7% of callers, followed by 30-49 (16.8%), 15-20 (14.3%),50-69 (7.4%), 5-14 (1%), and 70 and above (0.5%), he said. 

“We have 120 volunteers and we provide a safe haven for those suffering from emotional issues, life problems and having suicidal tendencies so that they can share their problems without fear of being judged or punished,” said Lim who has been with Befrienders for 21 years.

He also thanked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for facilitating a partnership between the organisation and eight telecommunications companies that has resulted in free calls to the Befrienders helpline starting August 1.

“This is a positive step because those who need emotional support don’t have to worry about the cost of making the call. Prior to this, some people spoke on the phone and told us that they did not have any credit left on their phones.

“This move will encourage more of those with emotional issues to contact Befrienders.”

Celcom Axiata, Digi Telecommunications, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, TIME dotcom, U Mobile, Webe Digital and YTL Communications are the eight partners.

Lim called for more volunteers as Befrienders works towards opening more branches to support its existing nine branches in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Malacca, Muar, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching.

Befrienders KL is a non-profit organisation that provides 24-hour emotional support for those who feel lonely, distressed or suicidal.

It provides support via telephone, email and sessions (by appointment) with Befrienders volunteers. It also organises outreach programmes and free seminars.

Call 03-7956 8145, if you need help. – Bernama, August 16, 2019.