Penang Befrienders chairman Saras Pillay said youths often found it more comfortable seeking help via text messages on the application due to its convenience and privacy.

“Sometimes it’s not so convenient for them to talk on a call, so they prefer WhatsApp,” she said at a press conference after Penang Befrienders’ 49th annual general meeting at Tanjong Tokong here today.

Saras said the total number of cases received by Penang Befrienders had also gone up from 7,129 in 2021 to 11,805 last year.

In 2025, the Befrienders recorded 2,179 completed WhatsApp conversations and 872 incomplete ones, along with 4,675 completed calls and 3,867 incomplete calls.

Incomplete cases refer to calls or messages without the details of the person who contacted the hotline, or where the person hangs up or stays silent, among others.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said responsible reporting on mental health was crucial, especially in the age of social media with potentially harmful content accessible for children.

He urged both media organisations and the public to practise safe reporting and be more sensitive when sharing content that highlights self-harm.

Befrienders is a non-profit organisation that provides emotional support to anyone in distress. The organisation is also actively recruiting volunteers.

Penang Befrienders may be contacted at 04-2910100 via call or WhatsApp at 011-5670 6261.