KUALA LUMPUR (July 11): Throughout the pandemic, as orchestras all over the world laid off or furloughed their players, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) continued to support the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and its concert hall, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. 

As the players’ contracts end this December, the orchestra has announced that it will be re-evaluating its business model. Does this mark the beginning of the end for the orchestra? If so, is that a bad thing? 

This week, we examine the history and relevance of the orchestra as it goes through a downsizing exercise.

The pandemic has not only taken a toll on the country’s economy but also our mental well-being. Malaysia is battling a mental health crisis as much as a public health one, with the economically devastating lockdowns causing a spike in suicide cases in recent months. In this issue, president of the National Council of Befrienders Malaysia Saras Pillay outlines the role that the crisis hotline plays in the community in these challenging times and the assistance it needs to continue doing its work.

We have also compiled a slew of mental healthcare platforms you can seek help from such as Aloe Mind, HumandKind and MindaKami, as well as apps that offer aid privately if you are daunted by the idea of engaging in face-to-face support.

In the wake of the #BenderaPutih campaign, groups large and small have come forward to help families that cannot afford meals. Many are still hungry, and many want to help. Find out where you can help someone get a warm meal, or donate essential items so nobody goes hungry.

Read all of this in the latest issue of Options in this week's edition of The Edge Malaysia, out now.

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