Shahelmey (seated) during the press conference to announce the helpline.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Ministry has set up a helpline to provide psychological assistance to those affected by the Covid-19.
Its minister, Shahelmey Yahya, said the 24-hour Sabah TeleChat Hotline seeks to prepare Sabahans emotionally and psychologically in facing the hardships brought by the pandemic.
“Our ministry wants the community to always feel our support so that they will have the strength to face the pandemic.
“In these hard times, the psychological issues (faced by the community) are often connected to family, emotional and financial problems,” he said at a press conference here at the RTM building on Tuesday.
Shahelmey said that such problems took a toll on people up to a point where some of them would resort toviolence or even suicide.
He disclosed that the helpline is ready to assist those who face mental issues, family problems, domestic violence, psychosocial issues such as financial and health problems.
Shahelmey revealed that the service is open to all members of the public, including children, single parents, senior citizens, frontliners and youths.
“We want Sabahans to remain strong in these hard times. The government will do whatever it can to help,” he stressed.
It is understood that the helpline was initiated by the Sabah Social Welfare Department.
The public may contact the Sabah TeleChat Hotline by calling 011-25254232.