KUCHING: The Sarawak State Health Department and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) have jointly organised the World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 with the theme ‘Changing Perceptions, Building Hope’.
Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, students and media partners gathered in a united effort to raise awareness on suicide prevention and mental health.
“Behind every suicide statistic is a story of pain, loss and loved ones left behind. It is not only a public health issue, but a societal challenge that demands compassion, understanding and collective action,” said Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He said this in his speech at the Suicide Prevention Day programme held at Dewan Majma, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kompleks Islam Sarawak here today.
Lukanisman shared that the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported more than 703,000 deaths by suicide annually, equivalent to one every 40 seconds.
“Suicide ranks among the top 10 causes of death worldwide and is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.
“Each case of suicide is estimated to affect at least 135 family members, friends and members of the community,” he said urging society to foster empathy and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
“In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) recorded 981 suicide cases in 2022, rising to 1,087 in 2023 and 1,114 in 2024.
“Contributing factors are often complex, ranging from psychosocial stress and financial hardship to mental illness, lack of social support and substance abuse.
“To address the issue, MOH has introduced initiatives such as the MySAVE Programme, launched in 2023, which focuses on crisis intervention, treatment, psychosocial support and post-prevention.
“The HEAL Helpline 15555 was also set up to provide tele-counselling by trained professionals.”
He shared that following the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in 2023, MOH expanded training for frontline personnel, including healthcare workers, police, civil defence, maritime officers and welfare staff, to strengthen crisis intervention skills.
“The ministry has also worked with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Communications on developing the Suicide Content Guideline to ensure safe and ethical media reporting,” he added.
This year, the MADANI government marked the commemoration by enforcing amendments to the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Mental Health Act.
MOH is preparing the Post-Prevention Support Service Implementation Guideline, due in early 2026, to provide counselling and crisis support for families and communities affected by suicide.
