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As of 2016, Malaysia’s crude suicide rate stood at *** per 100,000 inhabitants. Although it is still well below the 2016 global crude suicide rate of **** per 100,000 people, the data indicate a rise in suicide numbers in Malaysia since 2010, posing a challenge for the Malaysian mental health care system.

A burdened mental health care system

With only one psychiatrist for every 200,000 residents as of 2019, Malaysia is far short of the WHO recommendation of one psychiatrist to 10,000 residents. This, coupled with a prevailing social stigma regarding mental health, means that many of those suffering from mental health issues do not get the treatment that they needed. In a recent survey conducted in 2018, ** percent of Malaysians stated that they have never visited a mental health professional.

State of youth mental health

The shortage of mental health care professionals has a profound effect on the state of youth mental health. Schools are reporting higher incidences of depression, anxiety, and stress amongst youths in Malaysia. Pressure to perform well in school, as well as more modern sources of stress such as cyberbullying has led to increased suicidal tendencies and behaviors in Malaysian youth.

While the suicide rate in Malaysia has not reached the alarming levels as in South Korea, the fact that it is increasing in Malaysia should be enough cause for concern to improve its mental healthcare system.