{
  "id": 10404521,
  "title": "HEAL 15555 crisis line records 267,873 calls for counselling, intervention since Covid‑19 pandemic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/heal-15555-crisis-line-records-267-873-calls-for-counselling-10404521",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-28T08:25:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/28/heal-15555-crisis-line-records-267873-calls-for-counselling-intervention-since-covid19-pandemic/236884"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Mental Health Crisis Line (HEAL 15555) has received an unprecedented 267,873 calls for counselling and intervention, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The majority of these calls, 82 per cent, were aimed at receiving emotional support from the counselling psychology officers. Over the same period, the line has also intervened in 518 behavioral crisis cases, with 347 of them revolving around suicidal ideation. In cases of suicide attempts, 171 individuals were referred through MERS999 and successfully transported to hospitals for treatment, collaborated with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and emergency departments. The minister highlighted that the growing number of calls reflects an increasing societal awareness towards mental health issues and the support system available for those in need. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to tackle mental health issues among school students. This includes enhancing counselling services in schools, implementing screening processes, and early interventions via the MHPSS team for individuals, schools, or communities affected. Additionally, the Ministry is launching the School Health Programme to promote mental health literacy, develop healthy coping mechanisms, create an inclusive school environment, and encourage cooperation among various agencies, including the PDRM.",
  "summary": "IPOH, Sept 28 — The National Mental Health Crisis Line (HEAL 15555) has intervened in 518 behavioural crisis cases...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Early intervention key to tackling student mental health issues – Dzulkefly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/early-intervention-key-to-tackling-student-mental-health-issues",
        "published": "2026-09-28T06:11:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "HEAL 15555 crisis line records 267,873 calls for counselling, intervention since Covid‑19 pandemic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/heal-15555-crisis-line-records-267-873-calls-for-counselling",
        "published": "2026-09-28T08:25:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}