Suicide cases in Singapore have been rising in recent years, with rates of suicide increasing for all demographics.[1][2][3][4] It is the leading cause of death for persons aged between 10 and 29 years old.[5] Males account for the most suicides at over 66.6% of all suicides.[5]
Singapore ranked 105th by age-standardised suicide rate according to the World Health Organization in 2016.[6] Generally, the rate of suicide is rising. In 2016, the rate of suicide was 8.54 per 100,000 individuals, up from 8.43 in 2015.[7]
Like most issues of mental illness and death, suicide is generally viewed as a taboo subject in Singapore.[8][9] The pressure exerted by parents on their children to produce good academic results has also been a contributing factor in some suicides.[10][11]
Legality
On 9 September 2018, the Penal Code review committee called for the law on attempted suicide to be repealed.[12][13] The criminalisation of suicide in Singapore had been criticised for being an ineffective deterrent and an inappropriate response to persons who attempted suicide.[13][14] On 6 May 2019, the law was officially amended to decriminalise suicide.[15]
Prior to the Bill, attempted suicide was punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment of up to one year.[16] The offence was rarely enforced; between 2013 and 2015, only 0.6% of reported cases were brought to court.[15][13] It is still illegal to abet or assist another person in suicide.[15][17] A higher penalty is given to persons who abet suicide if the victim is less than 18 years old, intoxicated or mentally ill.[18]
