Penang State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen showing the poster of the Mental Health Matter Forum Ethical suicide reporting can save live during the press conference at Komtar in Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
GEORGE TOWN: The media plays a crucial role in preventing suicide by ensuring reports are ethical and empathetic, says a state executive councillor.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said as such, a public forum will be held to promote responsible media reporting on suicide to help prevent "copycat" cases and save lives.
He said suicide cases should be reported with care instead of in a sensational manner.
“The way we report on suicide can either deepen grief or inspire hope. It can perpetuate a culture of silence, or spark life-saving conversations,” he said at a press conference to announce the Mental Health Matters Programme held in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day at Komtar here on Monday (Sept 8).
Besides the “Ethical Suicide Reporting Can Save Lives” forum, other programmes include laughter yoga, a video presentation about mental health, a book exhibition and counselling by experts.
Gooi added that research has shown publishing graphic details, sensationalising incidents or speculating on causes can trigger a phenomenon known as “suicide contagion”.
“On the other hand, ethical, fact-based and empathetic reporting can act as a deterrent against such acts,” he said.
He noted a noticeable trend in suicide cases following widespread media and social media coverage.
“Whenever such cases are widely reported, we often see a sudden increase in incidents within a short period of time.
"I cannot say there is a direct scientific link, but the pattern is noticeable,” he said
Gooi said Malaysia recorded 4,450 suicide cases between 2019 and 2023, averaging more than two lives lost each day.
In Penang, a total of 233 suicide cases were recorded between 2020 and May 2022.
There is no data available from 2023 following the passing of the decriminalisation of suicide attempts in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Befrienders Penang chairman Saras Pillay said most suicide cases involve those aged between 15 and 30, who struggle with academic stress, relationship breakdowns, financial hardship, loss of identity and family conflicts.
"In such cases, it is crucial for us to stay on the line with them.
"We continue talking until they are ready to hang up. Very often, by the end of the call, they feel somewhat relieved,” she said.
Saras said besides youth, the elderly also frequently reach out, particularly those who feel rejected, lonely, isolated and hopeless.
“There are also working adults who call us, facing problems such as family conflicts, financial pressures and workplace stress.
"These are the kinds of issues people bring up when they seek someone to talk to,” she said.
Organised by Befrienders Penang, the Mental Health Matters Programme will take place on Oct 12 at Universiti Sains Malaysia's Cahaya Siswa Kompleks from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
The event will feature members of the media, mental health experts, policymakers, influencers, content creators and others to explore responsible approaches to suicide coverage in the digital age.
The event is supported by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, Yayasan Hasanah and the Finance Ministry under the Mental Health Grant.
Among the panellists are Saras, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood, Pantai Hospital psychiatrist Dr Ng Yin Ping and senior journalist Arnold Loh.
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, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
