THERE is an urgent need to address depression among Malaysians as it is leading to more suicide cases in the country, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said today.

It said that suicide cases have been on the rise due to the movement-control orders implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19, as well as the loss of lives and livelihoods that have taken a toll on many of people.

“We are deeply concerned as depression, if untreated, can lead to suicide. Now, more than ever, society needs to be aware that establishing support is very important,” it said in a statement.

Depression is a type of mood disorder and if left untreated will lead to destructive behaviours such as addiction and self-harm among others, the MMA said.

The MMA is also asking that the law criminalising suicide, Section 309 of the Penal Code, to be repealed.

Professional, evidence-based intervention should be the way forward in addressing the problem of suicides, it added.

“The Malaysian Guideline on Suicide Prevention and Management, published by MOH in collaboration with the WHO in 2013 is comprehensive. It should be updated and used as a framework in addressing the problem of suicides.”

From 2018 to July 31, 2021, 2,426 cases of suicide were reported. Of which, 679 were due to emotional stress while 385 were related to financial troubles.

In the same period, 902 attempted suicides were reported. Of that number, 261 cases were prosecuted in 2018, 243 in 2019, 223 last year and 175 in the first six months of this year.

Last week, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) is examining the legal options and implications of removing attempted suicide as a criminal offence.

He said the AGC was reviewing the law regarding the offences of abetment and attempted suicide.

In the meantime, the MMA is urging all those in need of help to reach out to healthcare professionals. – September 20, 2021.

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