Are Malaysian women facing an increased risk of suicide?

WHILE Malaysia grapples with growing numbers of Covid-19 cases, the underlying toll of the pandemic has hit communities hard as people struggle with job insecurity, loneliness and mental health concerns. The impact of the pandemic on women appears to be particularly harmful, as suggested by the increase of suicide rates among females.

Between January and May this year alone there were 468 cases of suicide reported to the police – an average of three cases a day. This five-month tally is an increase from 631 cases for the whole of 2020 and 609 cases throughout 2019, strongly indicating that the pandemic is likely playing a part in the rising number of cases as economic strain, stress, and isolation are magnified during successive lockdowns.