Attempted Suicide Is Decriminalised. Now We Need Better Mental Health Services.

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat unanimously agreed to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code, which effectively means that attempted suicide is now decriminalised in Malaysia, pending the amendments being passed in the Dewan Negara and being officially gazetted. While this is a major step forward in addressing mental health issues, more remains to be done to strengthen our mental health support system and to ensure that individuals who have suicidal thoughts receive the support they need. We find out more from Alia Ali, founder of Awareness Against Suicide (AWAS) and Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam, consultant psychiatrist. 

This segment talks about self-harm and suicide, and may be a difficult topic for some listeners. If you need to talk about it, do look for local support within your community, or call helplines like Talian HEAL at 15555, MIASA's 24-hour helpline at 1800-1800-66 or Befrienders KL at 03 7627 2929.

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