Sarawak begins suicide prevention policy framework as first step in mental health plan

KUCHING (March 10): Sarawak has begun efforts to develop a policy framework on suicide behaviour prevention as part of the state’s move towards establishing a broader mental health policy.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state decided to first focus on suicide behaviour prevention instead of immediately introducing a comprehensive mental health policy.

“After much discussion, we decided that rather than starting immediately with a comprehensive mental health policy, it would be more practical to begin with a focused framework on suicide behaviour prevention,” he said.

Dr Sim said this in his speech at the opening of a two-day workshop on the ‘Preparation of Policy on Suicide Behaviour Prevention for Sarawak’, held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Training Room.

His speech was delivered by Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dr Elizabeth Loh on Tuesday.

He explained that suicide prevention would allow the government to address the most serious risks linked to mental health while laying the groundwork for a broader policy later.

“By focusing on this first, we are preparing for the mental health problem (of) most serious risk before tackling the wider mental health issues,” he said.

Dr Sim said mental health has become an increasingly important issue globally and Sarawak is also facing similar challenges.

“These concerns go beyond medical issues alone. It includes social challenges including addictions such as vaping, online gambling, cyberbullying, and the many emerging pressures brought about by the digital era,” he said.

According to the ‘Statistics on Causes of Death Malaysia 2025’, which includes data for 2024, Sarawak recorded 63 suicide deaths comprising 50 males and 13 females.

“While these numbers may appear relatively small compared to some other regions, every single life lost is one too many,” he said.

Dr Sim said several immediate priorities have been identified, including consolidating suicide data across agencies, strengthening pesticide regulations, installing barriers at high-risk locations and establishing community-based support networks for families affected by suicide.

“Our mid-term goal is clear. We aim to develop a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Policy for Sarawak that is evidence-based, practical, and tailored to Sarawak’s unique social and cultural context,” he said.

He added that a working group comprising experts and stakeholders will be formed following the workshop to further develop the policy framework.