MCMC, TELCO OPERATORS COLLABORATE TO WAIVE CHARGES FOR BEFRIENDERS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1JULY 24, 2019 @ 5.42PM
Suicidal symptoms are a tragedy in every society, regardless of social, moral and economic aspects.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has collaborated with eight telecommunications operators to waive call charges made by their customers to the Befrienders helpline effective August 1.
They are Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications, Maxis Berhad, Telekom Malaysia, TIME dotcom, U Mobile, Webe Digital and YTL Communications. Echoing Gobind Singh Deo, the minister of MCMC's recent call that no one should be excluded in the country’s journey towards a digital shift, the announcement made is timely for those in need, distress, despair and having suicidal thoughts to seek assistance via the Befrienders helpline. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, one out of five adolescents is depressed, two out of five are anxious; while 11.2% have suicidal ideation and 10.1% had attempted suicide. Al-Ishsal Ishak chairman of MCMC believes that suicidal symptoms can be prevented and eradicated with collective efforts from various stakeholders, including the Government and industry players. “Suicidal symptoms are a tragedy in every society, regardless of social, moral and economic aspects. Among the key steps that need to be taken is to eliminate the stigma in the community against mental illness and suicidal symptoms, while enabling assistance and access to Befrienders, which is now free for those who need advice, counselling and emotional support. As we advance through digitalisation, a collaborative effort that focuses on ways to leverage social media and latest technology to identify those most at risk can be explored,” said Al-Ishsal. Befrienders is a non-profit organisation that provides emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the distressed and the suicidal. Anonymous callers can express their problems and dilemmas to the trained volunteers at Befrienders. All conversations are confidential. Befrienders can be contacted at 03-79568145/8144 or email sam@befrienders.org.my for assistance. For more details on Befrienders helpline in other states, visit www.befrienders.org.my. 
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