Suhakam calls for revival of National Suicide Registry

Suhakam said pointed out there must also be adequate supply of information on mental health services and improved access for all.

PETALING JAYA (July 1): The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the revival of the National Suicide Registry Malaysia (NSRM) in light of the troubling rise in suicides during the current pandemic.

It said in a statement that information in the registry, which was established in 2007, would help drive effective policymaking and formulating long-term solutions to prevent suicides.

It pointed out there must also be adequate supply of information on mental health services and improved access for all.

“From a rights perspective, it is Suhakam’s view that health services, especially mental health support, must be made available to those in need, especially anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts.

“Equal access to timely and appropriate care and assistance should be provided to those who are most vulnerable, including children, the poor, downtrodden and marginalised, as what would be afforded to the general Malaysian society,” it said.

Suhakam noted that while suicides are typically attributed to mental health issues, issues like social isolation and financial distress can exacerbate existing suicidal tendencies.

“Information on early signs of mental health problems and access to mental health care and support ought to be disseminated, while stigma against those with mental health problems should be recognised and banished, once and for all,” it said.

Given the pandemic’s role in creating a situation where feelings of isolation and financial hardships have become more common, Suhakam recognised the need to expedite vaccinations so that normalcy and freedom could be restored, which could possibly reduce instances of suicide.

“Suhakam calls for expedient vaccination rollout, expansion of voluntary testing and early detection, and targeted movement control orders.

“This will allow for more sectors of the society to regain access to work and livelihoods, resumption of schools and return to some normalcy in their lives, and possibly to a reduction in the incidence of suicides,” it said

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