Health Ministry backs push to decriminalise suicide

 

The Health Ministry is backing the push to decriminalise suicide, says Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

At present, anyone who attempts to commit suicide and act towards doing it face criminal prosecution under Section 309 of the Penal Code, where they can be punished with jail term for up to one year, or they can be fined, or both.

"Decriminalising suicidal acts would help shift the efforts to preventing suicide in Malaysia.

"It would encourage those who are affected (wanting to commit suicide) to come forward and get help as quick as possible," Noor Hisham said in a statement today.

The statement came in conjunction with the World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on Sept 10 every year.

According to Noor Hisham (above), police statistics showed that there were 638 suicide cases reported in the country between January and July this year, which is a 143 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

For the whole of 2020, authorities recorded 631 suicide cases, also an increase from 609 in 2019.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic situation has had a big impact on individual mental health, and urged the public to play their role in preventing suicide.

Among the things they can do include checking on the wellbeing of the people around them, especially those affected by the pandemic, providing support to those affected to get help and treatment, and avoiding sharing news or photos about suicide on the social media.

"Social factors which can induce overwhelming stress such as loss of job and being isolated from family and friends can also impact some who are at high risk of mental health issues, including causing depression.

"If this depression is not identified and treated, then it creates risk of suicidal behaviour," said Noor Hisham.

Meanwhile, on the same note, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today posted a short video addressing those who are battling depression, telling them that they are not alone.

He said there are services ready to assist them, and expressed his hope that they will pull through their tough times.

"In conjunction with the World Suicide Prevention Day, I want to reach out to people who are battling with depression and anxiety, that you're not alone.

"Please don't think that even in your darkest moments that you are alone.

"Help is available, we're here for you. I've put here the numbers (for Talian Kasih and Befrienders) that you can call, services that you can access.

"And I hope that you pull through this and we are here for you".

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih

Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders

Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia

Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia

Hotline: 03-42657995

- Mkini