KOTA KINABALU: A holistic approach is needed to address the nation’s silent crisis of suicide, said Befrienders Malaysia.
Befrienders Malaysia president Jessie Ting said the recent and ongoing cases of suicides reported in the media were tragic but could have been prevented.
“We urge society to confront this issue with compassion, urgency, and collective responsibility,” she said, adding that suicide is not a moral failing but often, the result of untreated mental health conditions.
She said one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is by recognising warning signs, which may include talking about wanting to die or expressing a wish to sleep and never wake up, or saying they are going away and not returning.
“It can also include withdrawing from relationships and social activities, becoming isolated and unusually quiet; experiencing sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts; giving away personal belongings or engaging in self-harming behavior.
“In our 18 years of service to the communities in Sabah, Befrienders has witnessed firsthand how individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts have delayed or reconsidered their intentions after receiving emotional support.
“The care and understanding they found through our helpline played a critical role in their decision to seek help,” Ting added.
She said everyone, including parents, teachers, colleagues and friends must be equipped to recognise these signs and respond with empathy, support, and guidance toward professional help.
Befrienders are actively organising training sessions to raise awareness and educate the public on suicide prevention, including how to identify warning signs and offer meaningful support.
An upcoming training session will take place on May 11 and May 12, where interested individuals may contact the Befrienders helplines at 016-8036945 or 088-255788, or reach out via the Befrienders Facebook page.
They are also recruiting volunteers to join its helpline service and provide emotional support to those in distress.
“We invite compassionate individuals to be part of this vital work. Even if participants do not become volunteers, they will gain valuable skills to support themselves, their families, and their communities.
“The impact of suicide goes far beyond emotional grief—it also has serious economic consequences, including the loss of productive lives, increased strain on healthcare systems, and long-term burden on social and emergency services,” she said.
She called for support in promoting Befrienders, enhancing community education, and assisting survivors and their families.
Ting also advocated for policy development to eliminate stigma, promote mental health, and establish accessible, free mental health clinics for those in need.
Employers are also encouraged to prioritise their employees’ mental well-being, reduce stigma in the workplace, and offer necessary support, she added.
Ting said it was vital for media practitioners - both on print and digital platforms, to practise ethical and responsible reporting on suicide-related cases as reporting should be sensitive, educational, and include information on where to seek help.
She said sensational headlines, graphic descriptions, and details of suicide methods must be avoided, as they can lead to copycat incidents (the Werther Effect).
“To anyone who is struggling - you are not alone. Help is available. Hope is real. We urge you to reach out. Your life matters,” she said.
