Voon Shiak Ni
KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Women national vice president Voon Shiak Ni has expressed shock over the news of a teenage girl who was believed to have leapt to her death on Monday after running a poll amongst her friends on social media on whether she should end her life.
“It is indeed saddening and shocking to read the news of a teenage girl who had jumped to her death after conducting a poll in the social media on whether she should die or live.
“A precious young life is gone and we do seriously seek the kind attention of all netizens and social media users on this matter,” Voon, who is also PKR Sarawak vice chairperson said in a press statement today.
In stressing that there must be responsible use of social media, Voon said it could be used to help save lives and extend help and support to the community.
“Indeed in many occasions, lives have been saved and crimes were solved with the help of these social media applications as the social media is indeed a very effective and fast way in the circulation of information .
“But yesterday, a precious life was lost because of the social media poll.”
Voon hoped that this incident would serve as a wake up call to all social media users to seriously take note and seek help as well as support whenever they come across friends posting distressing threads in the social media.
“My humble request to those who come across friends who are showing inclination to commit suicide to contact the police, welfare department or BeFrienders.”
To speak to a counsellor, contact the Welfare Department’s Helpline on 082-514141.
The Befrienders Kuching also offers emotional support. Call the hotline on 082-242800 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm daily or email [email protected].