Counselling services available on Covid: Dept

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Social Welfare Department (JKM) has provided various channels for the public, especially individuals, affected by the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) to seek counselling services.

Sabah Community Development and People’s Well-Being Minister Shahelmey Yahya (pic) said among the channels the public can get in touch with are the JKM Operations Room at 088-234202, talian kasih 15999 or via the Whatsapp application 019-2615999.

He said that during the CMCO in the state, a total of 38 cases were reported involving psychosocial, namely related to financial and employment problems, while nine cases were related to anxiety (psychological).

ADVERTISEMENT

 “During this CMCO period, counselling services are conducted through online methods while individuals with psychological problems can go to the nearest welfare office in person for counselling or psychological services.

“For cases that require personal attendance, JKM also provides psychological and counselling services based on appointments in accordance with stipulated standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he told Bernama.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said that apart from the Sabah JKM Headquarters here, psychological and counselling services are also provided at the JKM Divisions in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat, Beaufort and Keningau. Shahelmey, who is also the Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, said that, so far, no cases involving depression had been reported or referred to the state JKM by other agencies.

“There are sufficient personnel at JKM to provide counseling services, as it also gets cooperation from the Sabah Health Department, Befrienders KK and Kawan Bah,” he said.

Shahelmey said JKM was also working with the Red Crescent Society, which offers psychological first aid services (PFA) to the public.