Suicide Is Not The End; Hold Onto Hope, There's Always Help

COVID-19 seems to be taking a mounting toll on mental health in Malaysia. Extended lockdowns and rising unemployment have exacerbated the situation. According to a statement by Royal Malaysia Police, in the first five months of 2021, the police reported 468 suicide cases, compared to 631 in 2020 and 609 in 2019.

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This shook us to the core as never once have Malaysians seen so many jobless, poor, and homeless.

It is said: Suicide never ends the pain, just passes it on to someone else.

Emotional support help centre Befrienders Kuala Lumpur recorded 20,575 calls from January to June this year, compared to 32,710 for the whole of last year. Many people have taken their own lives as a result of their inability to support their family and increased social isolation.

It’s okay to not be okay, and to seek help from mental health professionals.

List of Counselling & Mental Health Services in Malaysia:

Befrienders Malaysia on 03 7627 2929
The Buddy Bear Project [For children] on 1300 18 2327
Mental Illness and Awareness Support Association on +6013 3330737 or +6016 391 6755
Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service on 03 2935 9935
Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services by HELP University – 03-2096 1212
Malaysian Mental Health Association – 03-2780 6803
HumanKind Community Counselling – 012-300 5453
Lifeline Association of Malaysia – 06 – 392850039
Talian Kasih – 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999

“Remember that suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.”

List of SME’s Reliefs

The following is a list of SMEs reliefs that are currently available or open for application, to assist individuals and businesses in dealing with financial difficulties.

Wage Subsidy Programme (WSP 3.0) – Apply at PERKESO
Targeted Loan Repayment Assistance (TRA)- Apply at respective banks
PERMAI Special Prihatin Grant (GKP) – Apply at Geran Khas Prihatin
SME Digitisation Grant – Apply at SME Bank
Boosting Online Businesses – Apply at MDEC Official Website
MARA Business Payment Rescheduling – Apply at MARA
Electricity Bill Support – TNB’s Careline (tnbcareline@tnb.com.my)
Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) – TEKUN Nasional
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Financing Scheme – Call Business Banking Group 03-2611 3888

If you are struggling and feeling like it’s you against the world, remember that help is all around you, be it in the form of a professional service, financial, books, or a loved one. You just have to open up and reach out first.