MHAS launches first counselling centre
KUCHING: Sarawak Mental Health Association ( MHAS) has launched its first counselling centre in the state to offer counselling services to the community.
The centre also provides counselling and assistance to patients with mental health problems.
At the launch yesterday, Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said such public service provided by the MHAS is expected to assist patients who are in need of mental health treatment.
“This association is not just focusing on the welfare of mental patients but also disseminates information on the importance of mental health to the community,” she said.
Among those present were MHAS president Dr Ismail Drahman and MHAS advisor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
According to Fatimah, prevention is better than cure when it comes to containing a disease.
“It is better for us to prevent a disease and mental illness is an example.
“Hence, cooperation among all parties is needed in our efforts to help the mentally ill and to address the social stigma on mental patients,” she said.
At the same time, she called on the general public to help patients with mental health problems to rehabilitate.
Meanwhile, Dr Ismail said the establishment of the counselling centre would be the starting point for his team to reach out to those who are in need.
“Although we are short of operational and skilled volunteers, we will always try to change our strategy in helping the community.
“Perhaps in the future, we will establish a counselling centre in other parts of Sarawak,” he added.
The MHAS Counseling Centre is located at Wisma Keretapi, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce here.
It opens on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8.30am to 1pm.
Individuals who are seeking counselling services can call 082231459 or 016- 8082015 to make an appointment.