The British-Malaysian actor, famous for his role in Crazy Rich Asians, said it was important to speak up about the issue and has challenged fellow Malaysians to reach out to others in their lives, not just to make small talk, but also enquire on their wellbeing.
“It can be so simple. Think of three friends who may need that text or that small call for three to four minutes, just to check in on them.
“Really ask them how they are doing and coping with everything,” he said in a recent four-minute Instagram post.
He said in these trying times, people may take for granted their mental state and emotional fragility.
“This may lead to suicide or thoughts of it, especially when faced with hardship and uncertainty following job loss, absence of social interaction and being cooped up in the middle of densely-populated cities like Kuala Lumpur.
“Those numbers (of suicides) are sadly climbing. We can do something about it.
“Help support the people around us. Having that small outreach can prevent something disastrous from happening,” he said.
Golding also implored those having dark thoughts about themselves to connect with someone or reach out to support organisations, such as the National Council of Befrienders Malaysia and the Malaysian Mental Health Association, for help.
“I know you’re all locked up and it would be nice to talk to people. And hearing somebody say they’re thinking of you can make such a drastic change,” he added.
According to police, 609 suicide cases were recorded in 2019, 631 in 2020, and 468 from January to May, 2021. Selangor had recorded the highest number of cases at 117 as of May this year.
Bukit Aman CID director Abd Jalil Hassan said factors such as emotional distress as well as family and financial problems had led to a daily average of two suicide cases from 2019 until now.
Those suffering may reach out to the portal for help in different states; or call the Befrienders hotline (03-7627-2929); the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935-9935 or 014-322-3392); Talian Kasih (15999) and the Malaysian Mental Health Association (03-7782-5499).