KUCHING, May 16 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Recently Malaysians were shocked over the death of a teenage girl who committed suicide after getting a 69 percent poll result that supported the option of “Death” over “Life”on her Instagram account.
The victim had posted an online poll status asking her ‘Instagram Story’ followers: “Really Important, Help Me to Choose D/L.” (D stood for death while L for Life).
In addition, the victim also reportedly posted a Facebook status update in which she said: “Wanna Quit F ** king Life I’m Tired”.
Padawan district police deputy chief, DSP Merbin Lisa said based on the investigation, the girl who was known as Davia Emelia, 16, was suspected of experiencing depression.
“However, based on the statement from the victim’s mother, she did not show any behavioural change prior to the incident.
“According to her mother, the victim was close to her stepfather but since the stepfather married a Vietnamese woman, he rarely returned to Kuching to meet the victim. It caused the victim to feel sad,” he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Mervin said the investigation was still ongoing and so far the police had obtained statements from the school and the victim’s close friends.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a statement to advise social media users to be more attentive and sensitive to suicidal postings to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
MCMC said reports should be made directly to the police, family members and friends of the individual involved.
Individuals plagued by depression may seek counselling and emotional support from support groups such as The Befrienders through email sam@befrienders.org.my or contact them via the 24-hour hotline at 03-79956 8145.
–NNN-BERNAMA
