KOTA KINABALU: The World Suicide Prevention Day will be commemorated at the Likas Sports Complex on Sept 9 to raise public awareness on the importance of mental health and remember those who have committed suicide.
Additionally, the event is also aimed at stopping others from taking a similar step when they feel suicidal, said Befrienders Kota Kinabalu public relations and publicity chief Jessie Yong when extending an invitation to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin at his office yesterday.
Also present at the event was Befrienders KK president Datin Seri Siti Rubiah Abdul Samad.
“It is to show members of the community how precious life is, and that one should not end it by committing suicide,” she said.
The Befrienders will also carry out a fund-raising campaign through the sale of ‘Life is precious’ wristbands on that day.
“As an NGO (non-government organisation), this is among the few ways where we can raise funds to fund our activities,” she said.
Jessie said the event, which starts at 6.30am, will feature an awareness walk and members of the public are encouraged to take part.
There will also be a 30-minute ‘zumba’ exercise session as well as lucky draws for the participants.
“We will also have doctors from Hospital Mesra taking part in the event. They will be conducting anxiety screening service on that day,” she said.
With regard to mental health, Jessie said the incidence of people with depression and suicidal thoughts are on the rise.
“It is a worrying trend and is especially prevalent among people between 15 and and 24 years old,” she said.
She said Befrienders KK has been receiving more calls from the public since the start of this year.
“We get an average of two to three calls every night,” she said.