By Indun
Silong
KUCHING: In efforts to curb suicide cases, the Sarawak government will carry
out more mental health awareness programme starting next year.
Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this was due to the increasing number of suicide cases and suicide attempts recorded in the state.
“We have had a good sharing session with the police crime investigation department, Kota Sentosa Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital and Sarawak Mental Health Association on mental health related issues.
“This partnership provides a lot of input so that we can focus on mental health awareness programme next year,” she said in a press conference after chairing the One Stop Centre (OSC) meeting on addressing drugs and substance issues at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, here yesterday.
In addition, Fatimah said data will be collected as to design programmes according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) which is best for the community.
“We do the programme by looking at the mental health statistics, causes and ways of how to deal with mental health issues.
“We will also provide guidelines on how to prevent, treat and support mental health to prevent victims from committing suicide,” she stressed.
She added that awareness in the community is crucial to ensuring a positive impact on the victims.
“The meaning of suicide is a painful emotion where one may not how to handle the situation.
“In this case, it is important that they should be assisted and provided with an integrated mental support,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, a
total of 90 suicide cases were recorded from 2017 to 2019 and as of October
this year there were 33 suicide cases.
For suicide attempts, 64 cases were recorded
from 2017 to 2019. Of these, 19 cases of attempted suicide were recorded as of
October this year.
