ETHICAL REPORTING CAN SAVE LIVES - BEFRIENDERS

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding of suicide and mental health, and ethical reporting can save lives, said Befrienders Penang chairman Saras Pillay.

She said insensitive media coverage can have a profound impact on vulnerable individuals, while ethical and responsible reporting can inspire hope and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

“Every article, every headline and every word has the power to influence lives. We are not asking the media to avoid difficult topics, but to approach them with care, compassion and responsibility.

“Our message is simple - ethical reporting is suicide prevention. Responsible journalism can raise awareness, encourage help-seeking and ultimately save lives,” she said at the Mental Health Matters forum held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2025 at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here today.

The event, jointly organised with USM, also featured a forum titled “Ethical Suicide Reporting Can Save Lives.”

Also present were Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and USM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Azlan Amran.

Saras said that between January 2024 and September 2025, Befrienders Penang received 15,602 distress calls, mostly from individuals aged above 60 and between 41 and 50, with a rising trend among younger callers.

“Each call serves as a reminder that many people are struggling silently, and Befrienders remains committed to providing a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for anyone feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or alone,” she said.

Saras emphasised that suicide is a public health issue, not merely a story to be reported, adding that ethical reporting educates the public, reduces stigma and promotes healing.

“When someone in a dark place finishes reading an article, they should feel a sense of connection and hope, not deeper isolation. They should know where to turn for help,” she said.

She said Befrienders, a leading emotional support organisation dedicated to suicide prevention, called on media professionals, content creators and the public to report on suicide with empathy and responsibility to help break stigma and encourage open discussions about mental health.

“Today’s forum is more than a discussion. It is a call to action whether we are policymakers, mental health professionals, educators, volunteers, members of the media or concerned members of the public, we all have a role to play in reducing stigma, improving access to care, and creating a society where it is safe for anyone to say, ‘I am not okay,’” she said.

For those needing assistance, please call the Befrienders helpline at 03-76272929 or Talian Kasih at 15999.

-- BERNAMA