KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 631 suicide cases were recorded last year and 468 cases between January and May this year, says Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan.

       For 2019, a total of 609 suicide cases were recorded.

       Comm Abd Jalil said an average of two suicide cases occurred every day from 2019 until May this year.

       "From 2019 until May this year, 281 men and 1,427 women had committed suicide in the country. Of those people who committed suicide, 872 were aged between 15 and 18 while 668 victims were aged between 19 and 40,” he said in a statement on Thursday (July 1).

       He added that Selangor recorded the highest number of suicide cases between January and May this year with 117 cases, while Johor topped the list of suicide cases for 2019 and 2020 with a total of 101 cases.

       Comm Abd Jalil said three main factors for suicide cases are family problems, depression and financial troubles.

       "75.1% of suicide cases are hanging, followed by jumping off a building (13.6%) and drinking poison (5.7%). Every member of society must play a part in curbing this problem," he said.

       He said individuals who are experiencing financial or health troubles, depression and family problems should be given ample assistance from family members and friends.

       "We urge those suffering from such problems to get the necessary help and support from family members, close friends and those who are providing community service," he added.

       Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia a full list of numbers and operating hours).