Mental Health Crisis Helpline HEAL 15555 Intervenes in 518 High-Risk Cases, Says Dzulkefly

IPOH, Sept 28 – The National Mental Health Crisis Line (HEAL 15555) has successfully intervened in 518 behavioural crisis cases involving suicidal ideation and suicide attempts over the past four years, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced.

Out of the total interventions, 347 involved individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, while 171 were active suicide attempts.

“Some 171 suicide attempt cases were referred through MERS999. With cooperation from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and emergency departments, these individuals were successfully taken to hospital for treatment,” Dr Dzulkefly said during a press conference following the national-level launch of World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA on Monday.

Originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Psychosocial Support Service Helpline, the service has logged 267,873 total calls over the same four-year period.

Of these callers, 220,856 individuals (82 per cent) received immediate emotional support, while 47,014 individuals (18 per cent) received targeted interventions from trained counselling psychology officers.

Dr Dzulkefly noted that the consistent increase in year-on-year call volume indicates growing public awareness regarding mental health support systems and a reduced stigma surrounding seeking help.

Addressing youth mental health, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is collaborating with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to tackle psychological distress among students, including issues arising from school bullying.

The inter-agency collaboration includes bolstering school counselling services, implementing early screening and referrals, and mobilizing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) teams for affected schools and communities. Joint initiatives under the School Health Programme aim to enhance mental health literacy, teach coping strategies, and foster safer school environments in coordination with the police.

–NMT