Malaysia has seen a rise in suicide cases or near-suicide cases during the COVID-19 pandemic as prolonged uncertainties have put many under immense distress.
Based on annual statistics, cases involving suicide attempts or victims who have successfully attempted suicide recorded a 20% increase this year compared to last year.
Photo via Sarawakvoice.com
Fire and Rescue Operations Division director, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said, compared in the last two years, 2019 recorded 188 cases attended by firefighters, while in 2020 until November 30th, it has increased to 226 cases.
“It shows an increase of 20% compared to last year. If we compare the year 2020 with 2018, the increase is higher because, in 2018, we have attended to 167 cases, compared to 2020 with an increase of 35%.
“Apart from that, if you look at the trend in terms of gender, there is no significant change,” he told Astro AWANI.
Nor Hisham added that the numbers still show the same rate of 55 to 60% for men, while the rest which is about 40 to 45% are women.
Jenis Insiden: Cubaan Bunuh Diri Tarikh/Masa Panggilan: 07.11.2020 / 00:53:45 Alamat: Jalan Alor Setar Batu 9 Kota...
Posted by Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Negeri Kedah on Saturday, November 7, 2020
Commenting further, he said, when looking at these suicide attempts, and based on his experience, the victims are usually torn to actually commit suicide or vice versa.
“In the case of suicide, this year we found that 11 cases was successful, meaning that the victim has died, while the rest managed to be saved by firefighters.
“Our officers know the do’s and don’ts, the can do and cannot do. I find that in these suicide cases, we empathize with the victims more. It means, putting ourselves into their shoes, and feeling what they feel.
“So, if we can delve into their problems, can persuade them, and can bring them to look back at the decisions they want to make - often these victims will relax, change their decisions and be rescued by methods that do not require violence,” he further explained.
He also added that in order to save the victims, firefighters have to be trained with special skills, and they will usually use ropes in these types of rescue missions.
Photo via Berita Harian
When using ropes, the rescuers will have to take drastic actions in order to save the victims, as long as it enables the victim to be rescued and does not endanger the rescuer.
“Suicide attempts usually take place at higher buildings. If it happens at a river, most of the victims would have already jumped, which will later be turned into a search and rescue mission instead. But the most common suicide attempts are at high buildings,” he added.
He also pointed out that most of the victims are aged between 16 to 60 years old, “Society needs to be more aware of the changes in characters or behaviours of the people around them, especially now that people are losing jobs, companies are barely surviving.
“So, if you see any obvious changes in your family or friends, as a member of society, for me, it is not wrong for the person to have problems and we take time to listen to them and at the same time give them some advice.”
Nor Hisham also said to look for clues or signs when they talk because sometimes they often give you hints or threats to attempt suicide, which can also be signs or a cry for help.
“So it’s better that we address that as soon as possible, empathise with them and if it helps, find a place that offers counseling services.”
Photo via Head Topics
He suggested that the community should give support to these individuals, and convince them that it is not a sin or offense to get views from third parties such as counsellors or therapists.
Let’s all take the first step to reduce the stigma against mental illnesses! Take care of each other, guys.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
