Cops: Teen who committed suicide after Instagram poll suffered from depression

KUCHING (Bernama): Recently, Malaysians were shocked over the death of a teenage girl who committed suicide after 69% of pollsters on her Instagram account supported the option to kill herself.

Local newspapers reported that the victim posted an online poll status asking her 'Instagram Story' followers: "Really Important, Help Me to Choose D/L." (D stood for death while L for Life).

In addition, the victim also reportedly posted a Facebook status update in which she said: "Wanna Quit F**king Life I'm Tired".

Padawan district police deputy chief DSP Merbin Lisa said based on the investigation, the girl who was known as Davia Emelia, 16, was suspected of experiencing depression.

"However, based on the statement from the victim's mother, she did not show any behavioural change prior to the incident.

"According to her mother, the victim was close to her stepfather but since the stepfather married a Vietnamese woman, he rarely returned to Kuching to meet the victim.

"It caused the victim to feel sad," he said when contacted by Bernama here Thursday (May 16).

DSP Merbin said investigation was still ongoing, and so far, the police had obtained statements from the school and the victim's close friends.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a statement to advise social media users to be more attentive and sensitive to suicidal postings to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

MCMC said reports should be made directly to the police, family members and friends of the individual involved.

Those in need of someone to talk to can call the Befrienders KL at 03-7956 8145, or 04-281 5161/1108 in Penang, or 05-547 7933/7955 in Ipoh or email [e-mail]. – Bernama