The tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic was not only that tens of thousands of people in Malaysia died from the disease, or that more than half a million people slipped closer to financial strife. There has also been a parallel mental health pandemic, and deaths due to suicide that are only talked about under the veil of secrecy and stigma. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we discuss whether suicide should be treated as a family’s personal problem, or should all of society play a role in preventing suicide before it becomes a tragedy that could befall any of our relatives, friends, or neighbours.

This segment talks about suicide and trauma, and may be triggering for some listeners. If you need emotional support, you can call MIASA’s 24-hour helpline 1-800-820066 or Befrienders KL 03 7627 2929.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Tee Shiao Eek

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