BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Facing increasing suicide and attempted suicide cases in the country, Brunei is considering establishing a national "Life Counselling Hotline" in the near future to prevent and reduce suicides.
According to Mohd Isham, the sultanate's health minister on Sunday, the proposed hotline will provide psychological counselling for those who feel great mental stress in areas including finance, family, relationship and workplace.
"The Ministry of Health and relevant government agencies are cooperating to set up the life counselling hotline, which will provide counselling for all kinds of people with great stress in the first time," he told Xinhua.
Latest data from Royal Brunei Police Force shows that 46 suicide cases were recorded in the country from 2014 to August 2018 - six cases in 2014, eight cases in 2015, eight cases in 2016, 13 cases in 2017 and 11 cases from January to August this year.
The 2017 figures showed an increase of 62.5 percent compared to previous years.
There were also 43 cases of attempted suicide from 2014 to August 2018. The minister said these numbers were worrying and the government was highly concerned about this.
He also called on people to stop being addicted to their mobile phones, and care more about their relatives and friends.
"Spending more time with relatives and friends, saying positive words, and giving any kind of help, these small actions will help mentally stressed people to let go of suicidal thoughts."
