Over 80% of Malaysia’s 5,857 suicide cases from 2020-2024 involved men, with experts calling for proactive prevention over crisis intervention
PETALING JAYA: Suicide among young Malaysian men is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most urgent public health concerns, with national trends showing men, especially those aged under 40, consistently forming the majority of cases.
Experts say the issue is rarely caused by a single incident but by multiple pressures building until they become unbearable.
Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Hamizah Sahharon said young men today face mounting emotional strain, rising expectations and unrelenting digital pressures, often hidden beneath a facade of strength.
“Suicide is never triggered by a single factor. It is the result of multiple pressures piling up, leaving a person feeling trapped and without support.”
She said depression remains the strongest driver of suicide among young men.
“Many experience persistent sadness, exhaustion and hopelessness but stay silent due to cultural expectations of male stoicism.
“From academic stress and job insecurity to family responsibilities, young men often struggle without healthy coping mechanisms.
“The cultural belief that men must remain strong frequently pushes them into isolation.”
Hamizah said despite constant digital connection, loneliness is increasing, and many lack a trusted friend or safe space to speak openly.
“Economic pressures add further strain. Rising living costs and a competitive job market, particularly for B40 and M40 groups, contribute to financial insecurity and erode mental wellbeing.
“For some men, an inability to fulfil the societal role of ‘provider’ affects self-worth deeply.”
She added that family tensions, breakups, divorce and domestic disputes could trigger crises while cultural norms discouraging emotional expression or vulnerability often worsen the situation.
“Bullying in schools, workplaces or online leaves lasting emotional scars. Strict religious or cultural expectations may heighten guilt and internal conflict.
“Some men turn to alcohol, drugs or gambling as coping mechanisms, which could worsen feelings of despair and impulsivity.”
Hamizah said the digital environment is a double-edged sword because although online platforms offer support, exposure to cyberbullying, unhealthy comparisons or harmful content could worsen negative thoughts.
“Suicide is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that someone has endured too much without help.
“To save lives, we must remove stigma, strengthen community support and make mental health care more accessible.”
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur publicity director Joan Chen said signs of distress among men are often subtle, such as withdrawal, irritability, fatigue, overworking or increased substance use.
Societal norms about male strength continue to deter many from seeking help.
“Current mental health support systems are making a difference,” said Chen.
“In the first half of this year, around 40% of the calls we received were from men. They are reaching out, but many still hold back.”
Normalising conversations in workplaces, sports groups and other male-dominated spaces is vital, she said.
More trained volunteers and early outreach could ensure support reaches men before they reach breaking point.
“If you are struggling, it does not mean you have failed. It just means you are human.
“You do not have to carry everything on your own, and it is okay to talk to someone.”
