depression suicide
Picture for representational purposes only

By Muhammad Azizul Osman

SEPANG – Family members or friends to individuals with depression should be alert of their situation.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said, we need to pay extra attention to the people with depression to prevent undesirable events.

“When they are suffering from depression, people closest to them should know if they are suffering. Not only those who suffer from depression should call us but their family members also need to be alert in such situation.

“If we observe a change of behaviour in our family or friends, contact the Kasih Line immediately,” she answered the question from the media regarding the rise of suicide cases due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Elaborating further, her ministry found that the main cause for suicide among those who suffer from depression is economic pressure after they are dismissed from their jobs and also work pressure at home.

“At the ministry, we have the 15999 Kasih Hotline that operated 24 hours per day and this is opened to the people. We also have tele-counselling with the cooperation from 300 registered counsellors who can provide counselling help. At the same time, we have the Social Welfare Department (JKM) operation room nationwide.

“The ministry will also mobilise the trained Women Anti-Crime Squad (WAJA),” she added.

Earlier, a man who was believed to have depression after he suffered business loss jumped off from the 10th floor of Seri Melur Apartment, Jalan Bagan Ajam, Penang. He sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead on the spot.

According to the Seberang Perai Utara District Police Chief ACP Noorzainy Mohd Noor, based on the information from the residents, the victim, Lim Yee Chiak, 26 was seen to be sitting at his balcony on the 10th floor before jumping off from the building. –MalaysiaGazette

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