The recent rise in suicides, especially among our youths, is a national tragedy we can no longer ignore.
This is not just a statistic—it is a crisis that touches families, schools, and communities across Malaysia.
Supporting those at risk requires more than sympathy; it demands coordinated action from every level of society.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 found that 4.6 per cent of Malaysians aged 16 and above suffer from depression, with nearly half experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Statistics on Causes of Death, Malaysia, 2024 show that suicides increased from 641 in 2020 to 1,068 in 2023, raising the suicide death rate from 2.0 to 3.2 per 100,000 people.
Among our teens, the NHMS 2022 revealed even more alarming figures where 13.1 per cent had suicidal thoughts and 9.5 per cent had attempted suicide.
Behind these numbers are real struggles: young people burdened by bullying, school violence, cyber harassment, academic pressure, family conflict, and the silent wounds of trauma.
Too often, their pain is dismissed or misunderstood. Suicide is wrongly seen as sudden or “attention-seeking”, when in truth, warning signs are there in the form of withdrawal, loss of interest, silence, sudden changes, even giving away personal belongings.
These are cries for help we must learn to hear.
The Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) reminds us of five essential steps in supporting those at risk:
- Recognise the Signs: Withdrawal, silence, sudden behaviour changes.
- Offer Help With Empathy: Listening without judgement can save a life.
- Start the Conversation: Asking directly about suicide can reduce isolation.
- Point to Support: Helplines like Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, Talian Kasih 15999, and the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) are vital lifelines.
- Make a Safety Plan: Ensuring trusted contacts are available, means are restricted, and the person is never left alone in high-risk moments.
The belief that nothing can be done is false and dangerous. Suicide prevention is not only the work of doctors, counsellors, or government—it is the work of a society that chooses to care.
Every teacher, parent, peer, colleague, and neighbour have a role in breaking the silence and reducing stigma.
As a nation, we must act now: by strengthening mental health services, destigmatising conversations, and ensuring that no Malaysian feels death is the only way out.
Chan Quin Er is MCA information chief and Wanita MCA secretary general.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
