By comparison, Johor recorded 101 suicides throughout 2019 and last year.

In a statement today, CID director Abd Jalil Hassan said the nation recorded 468 suicide cases from January to May – an average of three suicide cases every day.

He said there were 631 recorded suicide cases in 2020, and 609 in 2019.

“All responsible parties, especially the community, should play an important role in curbing suicides,” he said.

“Individuals with financial problems, health issues, stress, depression, family problems and other issues should be given assistance and support by family and close friends.

“The police urge individuals with such problems to seek assistance and support from family members, close friends and parties which provide counselling.”

On Tuesday, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there were 336 suicide cases reported in Malaysia in the first three months of this year.

Citing data from the police, Noor Hisham said the number for the period was more than half of what was reported throughout 2020.