Malaysia - The recent increase in suicides may actually point to an improved awareness, Befrienders Malaysia president Ganga Dara said.
“Previously, suicides were often reported as accidental deaths but the awareness for the need to intervene is increasing,” he said.
Another reason could be the trigger effect when the media report on suicides and how people would relate to the victims, he said.
Among the key points of the eight-point plan adopted by the ministry last year was the need to raise awareness, especially in identifying and reaching out to high-risk groups as well as networking with various organisations and the media.
Over the past year, those in distress have contacted the eight Befrienders centres nationwide 39,000 times via phone calls, face-to-face meetings and email.
Ganga said Facebook users were also alerting the organisation to those who had expressed suicidal intentions.
Crime Prevention Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the government should look into providing community health centres for the public to seek early help.
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Category(s):Suicide Prevention
Source material from Malay Mail
