Men’s suicide rate quadruples women’s

-Bernama filepic

A TOTAL of 4,440 Malaysians have taken their own lives since 2019, with suicide rates remaining alarmingly high over the last three years, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In revealing the statistics, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that suicide among men was four times higher than among women, with the number of cases increasing since 2021.

“The number of suicides has surged, particularly since 2021, with almost or over 1,000 cases per passing year.

“There were 609 cases in 2019, 621 in 2020, 1,142 in 2021, 981 in 2022, and 1,087 last year,” he said in a statement after chairing the 2nd National Social Council meeting in Parliament yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid added that the majority of suicides involved men, with over 3,600 cases, while more than 780 involved women.

He said with concern that the Chinese community was experiencing the highest number of suicides annually since 2019.

He stated that suicides among foreigners were the second highest, with Indians and Malays coming in third and fourth place, respectively.

“There is no doubt that the country is currently experiencing drastic social and economic change due to the emergence of various new trends such as demographic changes, urbanisation, digital innovation, economic inequality, changing global economic power, and global hyperconnectivity.

“This change has resulted in significant shifts in terms of social behaviours, cultural change, and behavioural change, as well as a dynamic change in family institutions and general society,” said Ahmad Zahid.

“This shows a significant need for drastic early change in social policy approaches to keep up,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said that the National Mental Health Crisis Line, or HEAL Line 15555 (Help with Empathy and Love), received over 48,900 calls from October 2022 to June 2024.

Of these calls, a total of 28,870 received much-needed emotional support, while 20,030 involved special interventions such as psychoeducation, positive coping skills, and cognitive behaviour therapy.

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email [e-mail].