In the first five months of the year, 468 suicide cases were reported across the country, compared to 631 cases reported in the whole of 2020. As people continue to grapple with the prolonged social isolation and financial uncertainties amidst the COVID-19 situation, what toll is this taking on people’s mental health, and is this contributing to a rise in suicidal ideation? We speak to Justin Victor, Chairman of Befrienders KL as well as Anita Abu Bakar, President of the Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association or MIASA, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on rising suicide cases and the role of helplines in lending an ear to those who need it most.  

If you would like to speak to someone, you can contact:

- Befrienders: 03-76272929 (or email them at sam@befrienders.org.my), 24/7 hotline

- Mercy Malaysia's Psychological First Aid (PFA) Hotline: 03-29359935

    - 8.00AM - 5.00PM from Mondays to Fridays

    - 8.00AM - 1.00PM on Saturdays

- Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS): 03-29359935 or 014-3223392

- Talian Kasih: 15999, or WhatsApp 019-2615999

Image source: Shutterstock

Produced by: Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lim Sue Ann

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Tags:  The Bigger Picture,  Live & Learn,  lockdown,  mental health,  suicide,  suicidal,  depression,  anxiety,  stress,  Social Enterprises, Non-Profits,  Other personality interviews,  Health