Please help, not punish

UNWARRANTED sentences meted out to suicide survivors recently have drawn public outcry as well as protests from mental health organisations. The unfortunate persons who attempt suicide are unwell and therefore deserve a different approach from the authorities concerned.

Calls for the decriminalisation of suicide over the years have largely gone unheeded in Malaysia, whereas numerous countries have taken this vital step, displaying their commitment to moving forward and embracing mental health as an integral component of national well-being and productivity.