By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Aug 31 — A total of 117 suicide cases were recorded in Selangor during the pandemic between January to July this year, says Menteri Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Citing data from police, the Menteri Besar said Selangor topped the list of suicide cases from the total figure recorded nationwide of 468.
He said the cumulative figure registered in the country last year stands at 631 compared to the 609 cases in the previous year.
“After almost two years, it is evident that the Covid-19 situation had negatively impacted the livelihood of the people, especially their mental health,” he said during the virtual launch of the Selangor Mental Health Programme (Sehat) last night.
Amirudin said experts and academics had expected an increase in health issues since the onset of the outbreak.
He said this is reflected by the number of phone calls received by the Health Ministry (MOH) Covid-19 psychosocial helpline totalling where a total of 43,078 calls were recorded from March 18 to December 23, 2020.
“Meanwhile, since January 1 to June 18 this year when the movement control order was enforced, the number had increased by three folds to 122,328 calls compared to the year 2020.
“Almost 89 per cent of the data were of those who sought emotional support and counselling while the remaining involved matters related to Covid-19 and family issues,” he said.
