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SOS: “Very worrying that many elderly are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles”

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The number of people committed suicide in 2017 reached the lowest since 2012, however, the highest number of elderly taking their own lives were recorded in 2017.

In its press release, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) stated that there were 361 reported suicides in Singapore in 2017, the lowest since 2012.

It noted that from 2012 to 2016, the average suicide rate was 9.14 deaths by suicide per 100,000 residents and added, “2017 saw this rate dip to an all-time low of 7.74 deaths by suicide per 100,000 residents,”

While the total number of suicide deaths is at its lowest in recent years, SOS noted that the number of the elderly aged 60 and above who took their own lives in 2017 has risen to 129, the highest recorded.

According to SOS, the high prevalence of suicide mortality among the elderly is a worrying trend in Singapore. 2011 saw 361 suicide deaths recorded in Singapore as well. However, elderly suicides in 2017 is an alarming 123 percent of that in 2011.

Ms Christine Wong, Executive Director of Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), expressed her concern, “It is very worrying that many elderly are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles, when they should be enjoying their lustre of the golden years.”

“The ageing population in Singapore is set to bring more challenges to current available social support services. There is imminent need for stronger support networks as the number of elderly Singapore residents living alone continues to increase,” she added.

SOS noted that the usage patterns of several SOS services indicated that increasingly more attention needs to be directed towards those aged 60 and above.

According to SOS’ observation, the 24-hour hotline are favoured by the older demographic group. Of those who disclosed their age, 23 per cent of incoming calls to SOS were made by callers aged 60 and above in 2017. However, calls made by the elderly dropped by 18 per cent from 6,904 calls in 2016 to 5,652 calls in 2017.

“These figures are a cause for concern, especially when the number of elderly suicides in this age group is at a record high. We need to find out the barriers that prevent them from getting through to SOS, and if they know where and what are the other available resources to seek help,” said Ms Wong.

Some common struggles cited by elderly callers to SOS, were social disconnection, the fear of becoming a burden to family and friends, and impairments to daily functioning due to physical challenges and deteriorating mental health. These concerns predisposes socially isolated elderly to depression and suicidal thoughts when struggles go undetected and unaddressed.

“For the past years, our community outreach education and engagements targeted mainly youths and adults who are technologically savvy as these efforts were concentrated on various social media platforms. The drop in deaths by suicide in these age groups may be attributed to the concerted efforts of all social service partners (e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Agency for Integrated Care, Schools, Mental Health Agencies, and Youth Agencies) and many others in the community, even members of the public who are aware of SOS suicide prevention work,” Ms Wong said.

“Despite the drop in the number of deaths for this age group, we must continue to emphasise the important role of community and an individual’s social support groups. We must continue to step up our efforts and not let go of our concerted efforts thinking that a slight decrease makes a difference on suicide prevention and awareness among the youths,” she added.

Ms Wong, however, explained that the elderly may as a result fall through the cracks and may be unaware of the resources available. When the elderly are less aware of the available resources that they can approach, they may feel a strong sense of helplessness which may exacerbate social isolation.

“Apart from reaching out to the elderly community, we have to continue educating the loved ones and caregivers about the importance of mental wellness in the elderly in a more effective manner to increase awareness and detection, and help erode some of the stigmas they hold,” she said.

Beyond just being a reporting figure, SOS also noted that the annual suicide statistics also reveal the reality of struggles faced by ordinary Singaporeans. While suicide remains taboo and often overlooked in the country’s society, it is encouraging to see many in the community, especially the youths come forward to express their desire to make a difference.

SOS noted that Ms Wong will be stepping down from the Executive Director position of SOS on 31st July 2018, after 10 years of service in the field of suicide work. As the second longest serving Executive Director since SOS’ inception in 1969, she leaves behind a legacy by making remarkable contributions in our community.

“I am heartened to see that the work we do in SOS impact so many from all walks of life. Keeping in mind the belief that suicide is preventable, the dedicated staff and volunteers at SOS will continue the great work to support those who are distraught. Suicide prevention work will never stop here, and the focus shall always be to help our clients find hope,” Ms Wong said.

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Palestinian woman involved in disturbance at Wisma Transit Malaysia apologises

A video on social media shows Palestinians confronting security personnel at Wisma Transit, Kuala Lumpur, with some behaving aggressively by throwing slippers and damaging property. A woman later apologised in a TikTok video, attributing her actions to emotional distress from being unable to contact her children in Gaza.

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MALAYSIA: A Palestinian woman involved in a disturbance at Wisma Transit, Kuala Lumpur, has issued an apology and expressed deep regret for her actions.

According to NST, the woman, identified as Aminah Muhammad Nafi’ Jamal Abd Rabah, was one of 127 Palestinians brought to Malaysia for medical treatment after sustaining injuries in the ongoing conflict with Israel.

A video that has been circulating on social media since 2 October shows a group of Palestinians involved in a confrontation with security personnel.

Some of them were seen behaving aggressively, including throwing slippers at an enforcement officer and damaging property.

According to reports, the incident was driven by frustration after the group was denied permission to stay outside the designated Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur (WTKL) premises.

The Woman Apologizes for Disturbance, Attributes Actions to Emotional Distress from Family Separation

Speaking in a TikTok video, Aminah explained that her actions stemmed from personal distress, specifically due to her inability to contact her children, who remain in Gaza.

She emphasised that her behaviour was not intentional, and that it was a product of the difficult situation she and her fellow Palestinians were experiencing.

“I apologise and deeply regret what I did. I swear to God, I did not do it intentionally. We are going through a very difficult situation that only Allah knows,” she said in the clip.

Aminah further expressed her gratitude towards Malaysians for their generosity and respect.

She acknowledged that the treatment she and others had received from the country had been exemplary.

“I swear in the name of Allah, we are receiving the best care. What I say comes sincerely from my heart. You have treated us Palestinians with kindness, respect, and appreciation. ”

“You have fulfilled your duties responsibly, but we were the ones who wronged you,” she added.

@tahreergh

Dengan segala hormat kepada ATM dan semua pihak yang terlibat dalam kes perempuan Palestin yang menjadi viral 2 hari yang lepas di Wisma Putra Malaysia.. saya nak kongsi video perempuan yang sama tapi kali ni content video dia lain sangat dari video yg viral tu .. Rasulullah SAW bersabda: كُلُّ ابْنِ آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ. Maksud hadis ini adalah: Setiap anak Adam (yakni manusia) pasti melakukan kesalahan, sedangkan sebaik-baik orang yang melakukan kesalahan adalah orang yang bertaubat. Hadis riwayat Al-Tirmizi. Ujian besar buat manusia adalah keupayaan untuk memaafkan orang yang membuat salah kepada beliau .. semoga Allah memberi keupayaan ini kepada kami semua.. Walau menjadi apa2 pon, kami rakyat Palestin tetap sayang Malaysia dan rakyat Malaysia.. ikhlas dari hati tahu 🥹🇲🇾🇵🇸 TahreerGh Gh

♬ original sound – TahreerGh – TahreerGh

The disturbance at Wisma Transit has drawn significant attention, leading to a formal apology from the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali.

In a statement, he reassured Malaysians that the incident did not reflect Palestinian values.

“I apologise on behalf of all Palestinians in Malaysia and back home for what occurred. This is not our culture, ethics, or beliefs,” he stated.

Walid emphasised the deep gratitude Palestinians feel towards Malaysia for its continuous support of their cause.

Since August 2023, Malaysia has taken in 127 Palestinians, including 41 individuals injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Many of the patients were transferred to Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital for treatment, while their relatives were accommodated at various hotels.

“For their own security and safety, the patients were kept in the healthcare facility with restricted movements and limited visitors,” he said.

Many have been in Malaysia since their arrival and have had limited opportunities to leave the hospital.

Walid noted that the patients, having come from war-torn Gaza, were under significant emotional stress, which may have contributed to their behaviour.

He also highlighted that some individuals were struggling to adjust to a completely new culture and environment, exacerbating their emotional challenges.

The Palestinian Embassy in Malaysia, according to Walid, has been closely coordinating with Malaysian authorities to support the patients and their families.

Embassy staff regularly visit the patients and assist with their needs to the best of their ability.

Walid also reassured the Malaysian public that the embassy is working to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“My message to Malaysians is that such an incident will not happen again. We love Malaysia and its people. However, please consider that these individuals have come under immense pressure due to the ongoing war. They need special care,” Walid stated.

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Part of Marine Parade experiences flooding after water pipe damage

Flooding occurred in Marine Parade on Friday morning (4 October) after a water pipe was damaged during lift retrofitting works near Block 67 Marine Drive. MP Dr Tan See Leng confirmed repairs are ongoing, with no disruption to water supply. Road access was restored later in the day.

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SINGAPORE: On Friday (4 October), parts of Marine Parade, including Marine Drive and Still Road South, experienced flooding following the damage of a water pipe.

The incident occurred at approximately 11.40 am during lift retrofitting works at the pedestrian overhead bridge near Block 67 Marine Drive.

Videos shared on social media show floodwaters extending onto surrounding roads.

Dr Tan See Leng, Manpower Minister and also a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, in a Facebook post confirmed that a damaged pipe led to water flowing onto Still Road South and nearby HDB blocks.

Dr Tan said the damaged water pipe has been isolated, and repairs are currently underway, with no disruption to water supply for local residents.

Staff at the Marine Parade Community Centre are in the process of restoring counter services, having previously faced difficulties accessing the area due to flooding.

Dr Tan noted that contractors from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are collaborating with the Marine Parade Town Council to clean the affected region, aiming to complete the cleanup by Friday evening.

In an update posted at 4.53 pm, Dr Tan announced that road access along Still Road South had resumed, expressing gratitude to PUB, the Marine Parade Town Council, and the dedicated workers for their swift action in clearing the area just in time for peak hour traffic.

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