Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said the department, which replaced the special affairs department (JASA), was allocated RM40 million to disseminate information.
“Shouldn’t J-Kom be creating awareness on mental health issues, and counselling through various mediums?
“I have not seen any. All I have seen in the media are the numbers of Befrienders at the end of the statement after an incident,” she told FMT.
She was commenting on the latest incident in which a woman fell to her death from the fourth floor of 1Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama here on Wednesday. Police have ruled out any foul play.
Communications and multimedia minister Saiduddin Abdullah had previously said that J-Kom would not be used as a political propaganda tool but to disseminate information during Covid-19.
Kasthuri said more people are now facing emotional and mental health issues and may be particularly facing such challenges after the third MCO since May 12.
The first MCO was in March last year and the second in January this year.
Decriminalise suicide
The DAP MP also said Putrajaya must not treat suicide as a crime.
“Any person who attempts suicide and survives is always referred to the police. Shouldn’t they be sent to the hospital first for treatment and care?
“They need a check on their medical health and their state of mind,” she said, adding that suicide attempts were a cry for help and not a crime.
Kasthuri also asked the latest statistics of people who have committed and attempted suicide since last year.
“Is there a lack of attention as reflected in the amount allocated in the 2021 federal budget?” she asked, adding that there was a reduction from RM344 million to RM313 million for psychiatric mental health issues.
She asked about contingency plans to place suicide as an important agenda and whether it would be addressed at the next Cabinet meeting.
Psychiatrists have told FMT that mental health issues are expected to rise during the Covid-19 crisis as people worry about bankruptcies, job loss and pay cuts, among others.