The guidelines , released by the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), warn that detailed reporting can unintentionally encourage imitation, particularly among those struggling with mental health.
CMCF is an industry forum registered under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
The guidelines say that instead of stating, “The individual committed suicide by hanging themselves in their home”, reporters are advised to write, “The individual died by suicide”.
The guidelines also stress avoiding:
- Explicit details of the method used.
- Descriptions or images of the scene.
- Information on drugs taken, their quantity, or how they were obtained.
When mentioning the location of a suicide, the report recommends using general terms like “at a nearby park” rather than specifying the exact site.
It also advises against marking precise spots or labelling them as “hotspots”, warning that places like bridges, cliffs, or train stations could become known as potential suicide sites.
Avoid sensationalism, focus on the person’s life
Reports should acknowledge the grief of loved ones and avoid sensationalising the event. Coverage should highlight the person’s life and contributions, not the manner of his or her death.
As suicide remains stigmatised in many cultures, reporters are encouraged to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes and to approach the subject with sensitivity.
The guidelines emphasise that young people and individuals with mental health issues are especially at risk, as detailed descriptions can act as a “blueprint” and unintentionally promote similar actions.
To reduce the risk of glamorisation:
- Suicide-related stories should not appear on front pages or website homepages.
- Print stories should be placed inside, preferably at the bottom left of the page.
- For TV or online broadcasts, suicide coverage should only appear after the second or third break.
Reporters should not portray the deceased as heroes, and any interviews with grieving families must be done privately and sensitively, ensuring that children are not exposed to distressing content.