KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 6 -- Malaysians are making around 80 calls a day to the mental health helpline HEAL 15555, as mounting life pressures and greater awareness drive more people to seek emotional and psychological support.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the helpline has recorded 163,709 calls since it began operating on October 21, 2022 until the end of last year, a figure that reflects both rising mental health needs and increasing public confidence in reaching out for help.

Of the total number of calls received, 125,417 cases, or 77 per cent, involved emotional support, while 38,292 cases, or 23 per cent, required specialised intervention by counselling psychologists.

He said the trend sh...