KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) has introduced the Sarawak Suicide Reporting Card (SASaR) guidelines to promote responsible reporting and safe messaging of suicide news.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah praised this groundbreaking initiative, stating that it would provide essential guidance to journalists, editors and suicide prevention experts on how to report suicides responsibly.
She emphasised the significant role of the media in shaping public opinion and attitudes as well as its importance in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding suicides.
“I understand that this guide was developed in collaboration with journalists from Kuching and Miri, as well as a panel of individuals with diverse life experiences,” Fatimah explained.
“Therefore, I urge all journalists, editors and anyone covering news related to suicides or suicide attempts to utilise these guidelines to work towards reducing and ultimately eliminating suicides in Sarawak.
“Specifically, content creators can use this tool to report on topics such as suicidal behaviour, including suicide attempts, self-harm, and death by suicide.”
Fatimah made these remarks during the launch of SASaR at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
She also highlighted the alarming statistics from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, which revealed that one out of eight adolescents had contemplated suicide, and one in 10 had attempted suicide.
Expressing concern about this growing issue, she emphasised the need to prevent individuals with suicidal intentions from feeling isolated and resorting to taking their own lives.
“Therefore, these guidelines serve as a platform to empower media professionals in raising awareness about this issue and working towards zero suicides in Sarawak.”
Various primary helplines and digital support services are available to vulnerable groups at no cost, providing immediate mental health assistance.
The public can contact the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) at 082-448866, the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare (JKMS) at 082-514141, the emergency hotline (999), and Talian Kasih (15999).
In addition, individuals can seek assistance from the Sarawak Mental Health Association at 082-231459 for free counselling sessions, Befrienders Sarawak (082-268061), and the H.E.A.L. Hotline (15555).
