Malaysia has officially decriminalised suicide attempts, marking a historic shift from punishment to care. The law change, effective September 10 coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day ends nearly a century of criminal penalties for those who try to take their own lives. The move follows growing concern over rising suicide rates, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2023, over 4,400 lives were lost to suicide, with a sharp increase in 2021. Advocates hail the reform as a crucial step toward treating mental health as a public health issue rather than a crime.
