PETALING JAYA – Malaysia has taken a major step forward in promoting responsible content management and mental health awareness with the official launch of the Guidelines for Reporting and Sharing of Suicide-Related Content.
Developed by the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum), this national framework provides clear standards for how suicide-related topics should be responsibly handled across both traditional media and digital platforms.
This initiative has set new standards for the ethical coverage and sharing of suicide-related topics across both traditional and digital media platforms.
The guidelines, unveiled by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil were the result of extensive collaboration between various stakeholders, including the Communications Ministry, Health Ministry, the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, media practitioners, civil society groups, tech platforms, health experts and individuals with lived experiences.
During a nationwide consultation earlier this year, diverse groups, academicians, mental health advocates and civil society organisations contributed feedback, ensuring the guidelines aligned with the realities and sensitivities of Malaysian society.
Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said the development of the guidelines involved stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own priorities and concerns to the table.
"The development of these guidelines brought together stakeholders from very different backgrounds, each with their own priorities and concerns.
"But it was precisely through that open and collaborative process that we were able to craft a framework that is both practical and deeply human. Its strength lies in the diversity of voices that shaped it," she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Content Forum chairman Rafiq Razali emphasised the responsibility of content creators in shaping public discourse.
"In an era when headlines compete for attention and social media posts go viral in seconds, it is essential that our content practices are guided by intention and empathy.
"The way we talk about suicide matters and it’s crucial that we do so with care and intention. With these guidelines, we aim to create a framework that protects the vulnerable, empowers the informed and supports a healthier, more compassionate national discourse," he said.
Key features of the guidelines
The framework provided a comprehensive roadmap for ethical reporting, including:
- Appropriate use of language.
- Avoidance of sensational headlines or graphic imagery.
- Inclusion of mental health resources in suicide-related content.
- Highlighting recovery stories and help-seeking behaviours, drawing on the "Papageno Effect" which shows how positive messaging can reduce suicidal ideation.
Beyond traditional media, the guidelines extended to the digital ecosystem, offering practical advice on safely sharing lived experiences, avoiding triggering content and guiding audiences towards support services.
This inclusive approach reflected a growing acknowledgment that everyone including content creators, platforms and users had a role to play in promoting a safer, more compassionate media environment.
This inclusive approach reflected a growing acknowledgment that everyone, content creators, platforms, and users has a role in promoting a safer, more compassionate media environment.
Malaysia’s leadership in this initiative has gained international acclaim, with the guidelines set to be showcased at the International Association for Suicide Prevention World Congress 2025 in Vienna.