By Nur Ashikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, July 3: The number of suicide cases due to pressure amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia are increasing but it is not prevalent in Sarawak, according to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim said most suicide cases were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia due to individuals experiencing “life pressure problems” following the implementation of the nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO).
“I don’t see suicide as a problem in Sarawak because we have addressed it quite well,” he said when speaking at the Ziarah Belia@Asajaya 2021 programme held at Asajaya District Office here today.
Touching on the white flag movement, the Asajaya assemblyman said he has yet to encounter any families raising the flag in his constituency, but he is well prepared to assist those in need, going as far as keeping several bags of rice in his car just in case.
He described the movement as a way for those affected to reach out to the public for assistance and not as a way to express their dissatisfaction towards the government.
“It is more about hardship, people facing poverty and not being able to put food on the table. That’s why they raise the white flag as a symbol with the hope that the community is aware of their situation and able to lend a hand.
“For me, this is a good phenomenon. Because although the government had channeled assistance, there may be loopholes, for instance, many have yet to receive it and the assistance may only last for a week,” he explained.
However, he advised the people not to be selfish and abuse such an avenue for their greed as it is a crucial platform for those who are really in need.
Karim further said social problems involving youths in Sarawak have been decreasing during the MCO.
“The MCO proves that it has other benefits apart from assisting in lowering the risk of transmission and number of Covid-19 cases.
“When you keep people at home, impose a 10pm curfew, close down parks and so on, you can see the cases of social problems which also include drug abuse have gone down quite a bit.
“When we follow up with the police, the number of snatch theft cases have also decreased,” he added.
The Ziarah Belia programme which is aimed at nurturing ties between the Ministry and local youths was conducted as a drive-through initiative as an effort to comply with the health protocol standard operating procedures (SOP) during the lockdown period.
During the programme, Karim presented contributions in the form of thermometer, face masks and hand sanitizers to each 28 youth associations and clubs.
Also present were the ministry’s permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi, Samarahan resident Brahim Lumpu, Asajaya District Officer Rais Ahmat and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Asajaya Women Branch chief Mahani Sahari. — DayakDaily
