MALAYSIA has recorded 1,708 suicides cases since 2019 to date, with an average of two deaths daily, said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Abd Jalil Hassan.

A total of 609 deaths by suicide were recorded in 2019, 631 in 2020, and 468 from January to May this year.

From 2019 to May this year, the suicides involved 281 males and 1,427 females.

“By age, 872 individuals were between 15 and 18 years old, and 688 were aged between 19 and 40 years old,” Jalil said in a statement.

Two days ago, Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also cited police statistics when he said there had been 336 cases of suicide reported in the first three months of this year.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on mental health and that the number of suicides was worrying.

“Some individuals are at high risk for mental health problems, including depression, especially when in a state of extreme stress as well as isolation from the support network of family and friends.

“If this depression is not identified and treated properly, it can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour,” Noor Hisham said.

Jalil meanwhile said that the three main causes of suicide, based on police investigations, were family problems, stress and financial issues.

He urged everyone to play a part in preventing suicides by giving support to those who are feeling stressed, adding that people should call the counselling helplines available.

“Those who are experiencing financial issues, health problems, stress and family issues must be given proper support from their family members and friends,” Abd Jalil said.

Noor Hisham, in his recent statement, said people should call the following helplines:

Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS) at 03-29359935 or 014-3223392, Talian Kasih 15999 or it’s WhatsApp 019-2615999, Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre at WhatsApp 0111-9598214 or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-76272929. – July 1, 2021.