Heal helpline resolved 317 attempted suicides since 2022 - Lukanisman

A total of 317 cases of attempted suicide among teenagers and adults have been successfully resolved as of July 20 since the Mental Health Crisis Helpline initiative was introduced in 2022.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that the Malaysian Suicide Awareness Voice of Hope (MySave) programme also succeeded in preventing suicidal behaviour among the mentally ill through effective media writing.

“Good media writing can help mental patients get the idea (spirit) to recover in that we are also collaborating with the Higher Education and Education Ministries to conduct mental health screenings,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He was replying to a supplementary question by Senator Nelson W Angang, who wanted to know specific initiatives to increase awareness and education about mental health among school students and higher education institutions.

Commenting further, Lukanisman said mental problems require a joint solution between various parties including families, representatives of the people, and the community.

This is important to erode society’s stigma against mental patients while also showing that the disease can be treated.

Meanwhile, responding to Senator A Kesavadas’ supplementary question about cooperation that can be implemented in the field of psychiatric treatment, Lukanisman said there are many challenges in doing so.

“One of the challenges is that the agencies under the government work in-silo (separately) where we see they have programmes to deal with mental health alone,” he said.

- Bernama

The World Health Organization considers suicide a public health issue but emphasises that it can be prevented with appropriate interventions. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact the following hotlines:

 • Love Line: 15999

 • The Befrienders: 03-76272929

 • Agape Malaysia Counseling Center: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

 • Life Line Association Malaysia: 03-42657995

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