IPOH, Sept 28 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has launched the National Suicide and Fatal Injury Registry Malaysia (NSFIRM) and the Postvention Services Guidelines, two initiatives aimed at preventing suicidal behaviour.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said NSFIRM will serve as a registry system to strengthen the collection of forensic data on suicide and injury-related deaths.
"This data will enable more systematic analysis and monitoring of incident trends. Accurate data can be used to plan policies, programmes and services that better meet actual needs on the ground," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly was speaking at the launch of the national-level World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 and the two initiatives at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA today.
He added that the Postvention Services Guidelines ensure those affected by a suicide death receive psychosocial support and appropriate intervention to aid recovery, while curbing the risk of repeated or copycat suicidal behaviour.
With these guidelines, postvention services can be delivered in a more organised, systematic, and integrated manner, with assistance teams from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team on the ground providing expertise and support to affected agencies and communities.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that the MOH is also conducting training and capacity-building programmes to bolster relevant agencies, including the Education Ministry, the Social Welfare Department, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Royal Malaysia Police data show cases rising from 981 in 2022 to 1,087 in 2023 and 1,114 in 2024. In 2025, cases dipped slightly to 1,079.
With this year's theme 'Change the Narrative, Build Hope', he said efforts to prevent suicidal behaviour require commitment from all parties through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
"In this digital era, we have a responsibility to ensure that the information we share and spread does not cause harm.
"Avoid recording, sharing or making viral content related to suicidal behaviour that portrays incidents sensationally.
"Each of us has a role to play as a caring society, to be more alert to the early signs of mental health problems, and more prepared to extend help to those facing a crisis," Dr Dzulkefly said.
