RELATE INSIGHTS (6)
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Relate INSIGHTS 2023/01 – What is the role of the Media in reporting suicides?

The media in Malaysia play an important role in reflecting the realities and challenges of society, and a free press is fundamental within a functioning, healthy democracy. Media outlets and publications wield significant influence over the public and therefore have a responsibility toward fair reporting on sensitive topics such as suicide, free from sensationalism or glamourising stories. Clear media guidelines on ethical reporting of suicide are needed not only to ensure fair reporting, but also to educate and inform the public on suicide prevention and how to get help when needed. In reversing the trend of suicide rates, the media has a crucial role to play through ensuring people are empowered rather than harmed by the news they consume.

RELATE INSIGHTS (6)
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Relate INSIGHTS 2023/01 – What is the role of the Media in reporting suicides?

The media in Malaysia play an important role in reflecting the realities and challenges of society, and a free press is fundamental within a functioning, healthy democracy. Media outlets and publications wield significant influence over the public and therefore have a responsibility toward fair reporting on sensitive topics such as suicide, free from sensationalism or glamourising stories. Clear media guidelines on ethical reporting of suicide are needed not only to ensure fair reporting, but also to educate and inform the public on suicide prevention and how to get help when needed. In reversing the trend of suicide rates, the media has a crucial role to play through ensuring people are empowered rather than harmed by the news they consume.

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Relate INSIGHTS 2021/02 – Economic Cost of Youth Suicide in Malaysia

The government has found a rising trend in suicide among youths in Malaysia. It is estimated that in 2019, 512 youths ended their lives by suicide (74.3% of whom were young males). Besides the immeasurable emotional toll due to suicides on families, suicides have an economic impact on communities, societies and the nation, with loss of manpower and income for families, employers and the government. This paper estimates the economic cost of youth suicide in 2019 based on the economic loss due to foregone income and the loss of potential government revenue due to foregone personal taxes. In 2019, youth suicide is estimated to cost the Malaysian economy a high price of RM346.2 million or RM676,165 per suicide. The investment in Malaysia’s economy must include an investment in the mental health of young people, including the development of effective suicide prevention strategies.

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Relate INSIGHTS 2020/03 – The Pandemic: A Greater Call for the Reformation of the Law on Attempted Suicide?

1. Create awareness on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health in Malaysia.
2. Create awareness on the growing rate of the statistics of suicide in Malaysia.
3. Explain the origin of the law criminalising attempted suicide, and countries that have since decriminalised it.
4. Affirm the urgent need for reformation of the law of attempted suicide in Malaysia.