Datuk Christina Liew
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Christina Liew has urged the State Health Department to consider launching a Covid-19 suicide prevention campaign with a “Save Life Hotline” in place.
She said the hotline to be manned by professional counsellors would be able to provide counselling or recommend any reasonable aid to troubled people who have lost their jobs and may need food assistance during the extended Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
Liew, who is also Member of Parliament for Tawau, said those in distress must seek professional help, be it emotional or social support, advice, financial help or the necessary mental health treatment, under the present circumstances triggered by the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She made the call in the wake of the suicidal attempt by a female teenager who was saved by rescuers from the Fire and Rescue Services Department (Bomba) on Wednesday.
“The proposed life-saving hotline would complement the Mental Health Psychosocial Service (MHPSS) initiated by the State Health Department last month (October).”The current situation is worrying as Wednesday’s suicidal attempt is the third case in the State capital since Nov 18. The first two incidents this month were tragically completed suicides. This serves as a strong signal to the relevant authorities that something is not right and desperate individuals need help urgently.”A Covid-19 suicide prevention campaign would raise awareness that life is worth living and taking one’s own life is not a shortcut to free oneself of personal woes. More importantly, suicide is preventable if help is readily available to those with suicidal ideation. They need to know there are compassionate people in society who listen and care about their well-being, and will help them out, so they don’t have to resort to ending their lives in a horrific manner,” Liew said in a statement, Thursday.
Given that the third case involved a teenager, the Api Api Assemblywoman urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movements closely, especially during these challenging times when they are not in school.
“We must join hands to prevent a recurrence of suicidal attempts by young people. Parents play a crucial role in nipping suicidal behaviour in the bud. Do pay greater attention to children’s problems or needs to save lives. This is possible if parents recognise the warning signs of suicide such as feeling of hopelessness, talking about death, moodiness and depression,” she said.
Liew encouraged the public to avail themselves of the free counselling services offered by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Befrienders’ Free Confidential Emotional Helpline (016-8036945) is available daily from 7pm to 10pm, while Kawan Bah’s Helpline (012-7753020) is available round the clock daily.
