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In 1970, a group of pioneer Malaysians was concerned about the emotional wellbeing of the community after the occurrence of communal riots on 13 May 1969. 

With the assistance of professional psychiatrists and psychologists from University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, The Befrienders Kuala Lumpur was established.

 

The Befrienders KL is a non-profit organisation modeled after Samaritans, a movement started in London in 1953 by Dr Chad Varah. Since then, the movement has spread around the world under the umbrella body called Befrienders Worldwide.

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Today, Befrienders Worldwide is a dynamic and expanding global network of 349 emotional support centres in 32 countries, spanning 5 continents. These centres are staffed by more than 25,000 volunteers who provide vital support to an estimated 7 million service users each year. These centres provide an open space for those in distress to talk and be heard.