Perception of Media in Reporting Suicide Cases in Malaysia

Abstract

Suicide is a public issue in Malaysia. Local data provides information about the rates, methods, risks and preventive measures of suicide, but little is known of how media influences suicide in this country. This study aimed to investigate the perception of media in particular online newspapers on suicide. Data were gathered from the online archives of 8 local newspapers. Thematic and content analysis were carried out. A total of 81 articles and 45 photos that met the selection criteria were retrieved and analysed. There were five main themes emerged from the searched articles; i) sensationalistic headlines and photos of real suicide ii) background of person attempted or committed suicide; iii) presentation of method of suicide; iv) reasons for or factors associated with the act of attempting or committing suicide and v) strategies or intervention related to prevention of suicide. Suicide stories in Malaysia have been presented in more harmful than productive manners. Journalists should be wise to choose professional and ethical ways of presenting suicide stories so that online newspaper can be used as a useful medium for prevention.