The Health Ministry tweeted a series of tweets quoting Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba on the matter.

Kerajaan sedar isu tingkah laku bunuh diri semakin membimbangkan dan perlu ditangani.Satu daripada usaha ialah inisiatif Pejabat Peguam Negara yang sedang mengkaji undang-undang berkenaan kesalahan persubahatan dan cubaan bunuh diri di Malaysia.

— KKMalaysia?? (@KKMPutrajaya) September 10, 2020

"The focus will be on section 305, 306 and 307 of the Penal Code that has got to do with suicide.

"With the efforts to decriminalise suicide, it is hoped that patients who are depressed or have attempted suicide will be more comfortable to seek medical assistance without stigma," Dr Adham Baba said.

Let’s TALK Minda Sihat: Kesihatan Mental Milik Semua, Bersama Cegah Bunuh Diri

Last year, the government introduced several initiatives to tackle mental health issues, including suicide.

This year's theme for the campaign is 'Let’s TALK Minda Sihat: Kesihatan Mental Milik Semua, Bersama Cegah Bunuh Diri', in line with the increased focus on mental health issues due to COVID-19 pandemic that has thrown the world into a frenzy.

During his speech, Dr Adham listed several efforts by the health ministry, in collaboration with relevant non-governmental organisations, to deal with mental health issues in the country.

Among the initiatives include:

- The setting up of "Talian Sokongan Psikososial" (psychosocial support hotline) in collaboration with Mercy Malaysia. - The creation of facilities to conduct mental health checks and treatment at 66 government hospitals. - The setting up of 1001 health clinics and 28 Pusat Komuniti Kesihatan Mental (MENTARI) across the country. - Conducting courses for health ministry staff to learn how to deal with suicidal patients. - Working with existing NGOs.

"Stigma towards mental health and mental conditions should be eradicated. The public should not be punishing and should be more open to discussing mental health issues such as depression and not look at it as isolated incidents," Dr Adham said.

Kenyataan media Menteri Kesihatan, YB Dato' Sri @DrAdhamBaba sempena Hari Pencegahan Bunuh Diri Sedunia, hari ini.Tema tahun ini Let’s TALK Minda Sihat: Kesihatan Mental Milik Semua, Bersama Cegah Bunuh Diri.Tema ini bertepatan dengan situasi pandemik #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/zP73cW5Oya

— KKMalaysia?? (@KKMPutrajaya) September 10, 2020

Know the signs

In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, the health ministry also released guidelines on how to self-check and notice signs in others when it comes to suicide and mental health issues.

Suicides do not happen suddenly. There are always signs to look out for and you can help by being aware and giving support in any way you could.