Although a preventable cause of death, suicide remains a significant global health issue, with Malaysia recording a staggering 4,440 suicide cases from 2019 to 2023. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that the nation is experiencing extreme social and economic change, propelled by factors like financial inequality, unpredictable digital progress and increased hyperconnectivity. He revealed that men accounted for over 3,600 cases and women for over 780 cases. Zahid also noted that the Malaysian Chinese community faced the highest rates since 2019, followed by non-citizens, Indians, and Malays.
According to Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, the pandemic and repeated lockdowns were a significant trigger. The non-profit organisation offers free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day to those experiencing distress, with a surge of help-seeking calls received between 2020 and 2021. Executive director Kenny Lim notes, “Callers frequently cited financial troubles, isolation, family or relationship issues, and stress from remote work or online schooling.”
Malaysians were heartened to reach out for help, thanks in part to an initiative by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 2019, which made calls to the Befrienders helpline free from eight telcos at the time, including DiGi, Celcom, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia, Time, Unifi and Yes (by YTL Communications). The free call initiative remains applicable today.
Last year, Malaysian lawmakers also passed three bills decriminalising suicide attempts. The reforms aim to shift focus towards rehabilitation for at-risk individuals, encouraging help-seeking behaviour and reducing stigma around suicide.
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Waves of Wonder
Chaumet's Ondes & Merveilles high jewellery collection invents a unique language of the sea, capturing the colours and joy of life within and around the expansive depths
Bright, Light, Bella
Bella Hadid's star shines brighter as the new face of Chopard's iconic Ice Cube collection
Beauty Playbook
We tapped the British make-up extraordinaire Pat McGrath to talk all things beauty as she takes us through her early beginnings, creative process, make-up tips and more
The Chloé Woman, Reborn
As we head into fall-winter 2024, let's unpack one of the most anticipated collections of the season-Chemena Kamali's homecoming collection for Chloé
To the Mun and Back
Korean actress Mun Ka-young opens up about her dream destinations and her non-negotiable in-flight skincare essentials
One Step at Time
We speak to Edgardo Osorio, founder of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, on his vision of comfort and glamour, from weddings to world stages
Seams Like Art
Eleen Tan, a fashion illustrator and art lecturer, talks about finding success and fulfilment in the fast-paced fashion industry without sewing a single stitch
POWERFUL LITTLE PERFORMER
In both her wardrobe choices and acting roles, Eyka Farhana demonstrates remarkable range
HOT DAME!
Meet the chic 89-year-old great-grandmother whose story of family and romantic reunion is as awe-inspiring as her timeless elegance
Digital Transformation
Newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia Laurence Si brings 30 years of experience to the role