KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Police recorded 468 suicide cases in Malaysia in the first five months this year, up from an annual total of 631 cases in 2020 and 609 in 2019.
This is in line with the recommendations of the International Association for Suicide Prevention IASP and WHO to improve help seeking of individuals experiencing suicidal crisis.
Suicide cases almost doubled on average across all age groups in the 5 months in 2021 94 cases a month compared to 2019 51 cases a month.
The average rate ratios in Malaysia in the last 3 years 2017—2019 were compared with its neighboring ASEAN countries, other Muslim majority countries, and high-income G7 countries.
Malaysia must invest in expanded mental health services and support for young people and their caregivers in schools and communities.
A total of 168 victims were aged above 40.