Kuala lumpur: The rise in suicide cases and a doubling in the prevalence of depression among Malaysians aged 16 and above should serve as a wake-up call for the country to take mental health intervention more seriously, said Befrienders KL patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said 1,114 suicide cases were recorded by the Royal Malaysia Police in 2024, compared with 1,087 in 2023, while findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 showed that nearly one million adults experienced depression, twice the prevalence recorded in 2019.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these figures should prompt reflection on the ongoing mental health issues within the community. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye pointed out that there might be individuals around us who are struggling silently due to the stigma associated with mental health challenges. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), he emphasized the importance of changing the narrative around suicide and starting conversations on the subject.
Lee noted that stigma remains a significant obstacle to suicide prevention, as individuals experiencing emotional distress often choose to remain silent to avoid judgment or social repercussions. He highlighted the need for open conversations about emotional pain, advocating for a non-judgmental approach that encourages individuals to seek help.
He further stressed that inquiring directly about someone's suicidal thoughts does not promote self-harm but rather creates a safe environment for people to express their feelings and seek assistance. The decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Malaysia, effective from Sept 10, 2025, is seen as a positive step towards addressing these issues, but Lee urged for more investment in public mental health services.
Lee underscored the need for more mental health professionals and accessible services, particularly at the community and primary-care levels. He pointed out that financial constraints are a considerable barrier, especially for those requiring regular psychological or psychiatric treatment in the private sector, thus highlighting the need for adequately resourced government mental health services.
He also called upon Malaysians to be attentive to those around them and to practice active, non-judgmental listening to reduce feelings of isolation. For those struggling or worried about others, Lee recommended reaching out to available support services like Befrienders KL and Talian HEAL by the Ministry of Health.
World Suicide Prevention Day, established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), is observed annually on Sept 10. It aims to bring global attention to suicide prevention and unite communities, organisations, and governments under the shared belief that suicides are preventable.