Adopt ‘mental health first’ approach, urges group

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should learn from countries that have successfully reduced deaths by suicide after attempted suicide was removed as a crime, says the National Coalition of Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) decriminalisation focus group.One example is Singapore which recorded fewer deaths by suicide following its decision to decriminalise the act, it said.

“We encourage the government to explore the practices of countries adopting a ‘mental health first’ perspective on suicide and suicide prevention,” said the group, renewing its call to decriminalise attempted suicide in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day today.