MHA calls for all quarters to help combat suicide
KUCHING: The Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHA) is calling upon all quarters to work together in combating suicide during this stressful time
According to the association, there are three key areas to address mental health issues ‘compassionately and effectively’ – the first being able to recognise those in distress.
“The Ministry of Health (MoH) has highlighted key signs to be aware of, including changes in behaviours, and these need to be shared so support can be offered early.
“Infographics, like the one displayed with this article produced by the Mental Health Association of Sarawak, needs to be widely distributed,” it said in a statement yesterday.
MHA said the second key area would be to know how to access help. One way would be the hotlines linked to mental health professionals, and another would be help with the key stressors such as financial stress.
“Currently those offering both counselling services and financial guidance are stretched, so attention also needs to be given on how to build their capacity. To ease access and provide the necessary sustained support, developing more mental health services and financial advice at the community level would be needed,” said the statement.
The final key point would be to provide empathetic support to all feeling suicidal, and repealing Section 309 of the Penal Code.
The Section states that whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to one year or with fine or both.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought out the best in people as shown by the compassion shown to people feeling desperate, but few realise that Malaysia still has archaic colonial laws criminalising suicide attempts.
“Prior to the pandemic, lawyers, politicians, mental health professionals and civil society had been calling for the abolition of the law. Now, more and more people are calling for a halt as witnessed by the recent press releases of the newlyformed National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing; IDEAS and Relate, which called for an immediate moratorium. We urge Sarawakians to join the call,” MHA added.
Those feeling suicidal or have concerns for others may contact Befrienders Kuching via 082-268061 (6.30pm-9.30pm daily), send emails to sam@ befrienderskch.org.my or call Befrienders KL on 03-7627 2929 (24 hours); or Mental Health Association of Sarawak on 082231459/ WhatsApp: 016-9764623 (for counselling appointments).
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has highlighted key signs to be aware of, including changes in behaviours, and these need to be shared so support can be offered early.
Mental Health Association of Sarawak