GEORGE TOWN – The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the federal government to publicise dedicated suicide prevention hotlines from government agencies and non-governmental organisations to create more awareness on the menace amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement today, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader addressed concerns on the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health, as suicide cases in Malaysia had increased since the beginning of the movement control order.
Quoting statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police, he said 266 people had committed suicide between March 18 and October 30, which is an average of one suicide case a day.
“Within the same period, the Covid-19 death count in Malaysia (including foreign nationalities) was 249.
“It is not a good sign if the number of suicide cases is almost equal or more than those who died of Covid-19.”
Mohideen said debt issues were the largest contributing factor to suicide cases in Malaysia, followed by family problems and domestic disputes.
He said adapting to the new norm, such as physical distancing, wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places, may also be a tough psychological challenge.
“The government should help disseminate the required information in preventing suicide in the widest and most accessible way rather than depending on printed media, which has a limited reach.” – Bernama, December 7, 2020
