GEORGE TOWN: One in ten youth in Penang has either contemplated, planned or attempted suicide, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang says.
He said recent state health data found that 12% of youth experienced suicidal thoughts, 9.5% have made suicide plans and 9.3% attempted suicide in Penang.
"The prevalence is slightly lower than the national data but remains alarming, and revealed that youth mental distress in the state remains deeply troubling," he said when debating the Supply Bill at the state legislative assembly on Monday (Nov 17).
He said that the Health Ministry reported that 13.1% of youth in Malaysia had suicidal tendencies, 10% had planned a suicide attempt, and 9.5% had attempted suicide.
He added that Penang from 2020 to 2025 recorded a total of 564 cases related to suicide, placing the state fifth highest in Malaysia over the same period. Of the 564 cases, only 103 individuals were saved.
Ng said this means that over the past five years, the state rescued an average of just 20 people a year.
He said the leading motive for suicide was emotional distress, accounting for 209 cases, followed by health problems (73 cases), financial difficulties (70 cases) and family issues (60 cases).
Ng urged the government to pay serious attention to the alarming state of mental health in Penang and called on the public to be more aware of their children’s well-being, so they can seek appropriate professional help without prejudice or stigma.
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-
