“We encourage the government to explore the practices of countries adopting a ‘mental health first’ perspective on suicide and suicide prevention,” said the group, renewing its call to decriminalise attempted suicide in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day today. In Singapore, deaths by suicide went down by 45.4%, from 304 cases between January and September in 2019 to 166 in the same period last year, according to reports. The law to criminalise attempted suicide was kept after most people at that time suggested that the status quo remained. However, the group said the intent behind the present law – which is to deter suicide – is no longer being served. Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
