KUALA LUMPUR, 11 JULY: Throughout the pandemic, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) maintained to finance the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and its concert facility, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, as orchestras throughout the world laid off or furloughed their performers. The orchestra has announced that it will re-evaluate its financial strategy as the performers’ contracts expire in December. Is this the start of the orchestra’s demise? Is that a terrible thing if it is?
This week, we look at the orchestra’s history and importance while it undergoes a downsizing process.
The pandemic has had a negative impact on the country’s economy as well as our mental health. Malaysia is dealing with a mental health crisis as well as a public health issue, with the economically crippling lockdowns contributing to a recent surge in suicide cases. Saras Pillay, president of the National Council of Befrienders Malaysia, discusses the role of the crisis hotline in the community during these trying times, as well as the support it requires to continue its mission.
We’ve also collected a list of mental healthcare platforms you can use, like Aloe Mind, HumandKind, and MindaKami, as well as applications that provide private support if you’re hesitant to seek treatment in person.
Following the #BenderaPutih movement, a variety of organizations have stepped forward to assist families who cannot afford to eat. Many people are still hungry, and many more want to assist. Find out how you can assist someone in receiving a hot meal or give critical products to ensure that no one goes hungry.
All of this and more can be found in the latest issue of Options in this week’s edition of The Edge Malaysia, which is out now.
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