Content Forum (CMCF) Launches Suicide Content Guidelines

By Zeinab Morshed and Xie Yuxin

Minister of Communications and Digital, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil officially launching the Suicide Content Guidelines

PETALING JAYA: The Suicide Content Guidelines, the first of its kind in Malaysia, has been launched by the Minister of Communication, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on June 3rd. 

Initiated and put together by the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF), Fahmi revealed that the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has invited the Content Forum to present its guidelines at its World Congress 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

Fahmi highlighted,”The reverberations of the articles matter. The convocation is significant to safeguard mental health. It deeply shapes public perceptions and affects vulnerable individuals". He emphasised that the guideline is not about enforcing standards but about fostering empathy in how such content is reported. He added that the Online Safety Act will be enforced very soon and appreciated Tiktok for joining Content Forum.

When addressing toxic online platforms, Fahmi remarked “X puts the X in toxic” and added that Facebook earned RM 2.5 billion from scam ads and illegal online gambling ads, including those impersonating prolific people. He expressed hope that with the formation of Malaysian Media Council in the middle of the month, such concerns can be addressed.

Following the launch, a panel discussion took place featuring Alia, a suicide prevention advocate with lived experience; Prof. Dr. Chan Lai Fong (psychiatry); Norman Goh, a journalist who also shared his lived experience; Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum (CMCF); and moderator Fionaa Cassandra.

From left to right: Ms. Alia, Dr. Chan Lai Fong, and Ms. Mediha Mahmood discussing suicide reporting during the panel session.

The panel discussed the “Hurt vs Heals” spectrum and the Werther Effect, an occurrence of graphic and sensationalised media reporting leading to copycat behaviour.  Dr. Chan added that if headlines or main storylines are explicit or the portrayals are graphic, it may lead to suicide contagion as triggers can be incited leading to over-identification with particular victims. 

When inquiring about how headline writing can be reconsidered, so that it won't harm but inform, Mr. Goh challenged,”Do we need to report every single suicide story?” He highlighted the need to consider who the audience is and how the pictures used in reports can affect public views. Mr. Goh also suggested changing the angle by considering the broader context or looking into the background, to clarify whether issues such as gender discrimination or violence had led to the victim taking such a step, instead of sensationalising or fabricating facts that besmirch the victim’s reputation.

To demonstrate an example of both sensationalism and considerate reporting, two headlines were displayed from the same news outlet, Daily Berita. One read,”Dumped and Jumped! Teen Commits Suicide in Mall,” with a photo of the exact location and crowd that had gathered. Another read,”Call For Support As Youth Mental Health Concerns Rise,” accompanied by a picture of flowers and a card that read “You Are Not Alone”. The comparison highlighted how jarring and insensitive sensationalist reporting can be.

When discussing the compliance of existing guidelines, Ms. Mediha explained that industry practitioners fall into three categories: those who are not aware of the guidelines, those who are aware and comply and those who knowingly choose not to follow. “Those are the tough nuts to crack,” she added, and urged the public to devalue sensationalist reporting which benefits from monetarily.

The panel guests were later consulted on how to portray suicide on screen in a considerate manner, Ms. Mediha suggested not to depict the method but to show the reaction of family members and responders. She added,” I have faith that creative minds will be able to find alternatives instead of direct portrayals”. Dr. Chan concurred with her,  referencing a 2018 study by David Fink and colleagues which found a 10% increase in US suicide deaths, following Hollywood actor Robin William’s passing, among people of similar demographic and using the same method. She warned that the impact of celebrity suicides is significantly greater than those involving non-celebrity individuals.

Ms. Mediha emphasized the need to change the way we talk about suicide, from a narrative of hopelessness to one of hope. Dr. Chan reiterated that instead of using suicide as a dramatic element for a story to gain attention, suicide should be seen as a preventable public health issue. She strongly disagreed with the idea that only shocking or sensational stories can make an impact, calling it a myth. “Good news also resonates,” she said, explaining that there are other, more responsible ways to engage audiences. She brought up the Papageno Effect to support her point, showing how stories about people who have gone through suicidal crises and managed to recover can truly help those who are struggling, especially when information about support options is included.

Mr. Goh then urged media practitioners to embrace the idea of “slow journalism,” where compassion matters more than just chasing clicks. He reminded that those content creators needed to be more mindful and sensitive when approaching victims or their families, explaining it’s important to “read the room” and avoid rushing into interviews or filming. “Don’t shove a camera into someone’s face,” he warned. Instead, he called for respectful and thoughtful storytelling, referring to something that takes time, shows care, and ultimately helps the media earn the public’s trust.

The panel also emphasised the mental impact caused by careless reporting. Ms. Alia, a suicide prevention advocate, shared that even well meaning journalists sometimes cross the line unaware. She reminded reporters not to ask someone who just lost a loved one, “How do you feel?” because such questions can make the person feel even worse. She also mentioned that even images that are blurred or pixelated might still cause trauma. Because of this issue, she stressed that journalists should clearly explain before the interview what will or won’t be published, and most importantly always respect people’s boundaries and choices. 

During the discussion, Dr. Chan also noted that men in Malaysia have a noticeably higher suicide rate. She explained this is closely related to mental health problems being overlooked and the societal pressure on men to always be “strong.” Therefore, she suggested the media should be careful not to reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. Instead, reports should encourage men to seek help when they need it.

In response to questions from the audience, Ms. Mediha explained how the guidelines apply to different cultural and religious contexts. She pointed out that while suicide is often a taboo topic in some communities, the focus of reporting should not be on punishment or moral judgment. Instead, journalists should highlight how religious places such as mosques, churches, and temples can also be spaces for support and care during a crisis. “We need to change the narrative, moving away from darkness and despair toward recovery and compassion,” she said. 

Furthermore, she added that the guidelines were inspired by the rise in suicide cases during the pandemic. With people stuck at home and mental health worsening, suicide became a frequent topic on social media platforms like Twitter and Clubhouse. Many people didn’t know how to talk about it safely. “That’s why we realized it was time to let society know there is a safe and responsible way to discuss this issue.”

Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil speaking to the media after launching the Suicide Content Guidelines.

As the event drew to a close, all panel members agreed on one key point that suicide prevention must be the central goal of all related content in the media. Whether it’s news reports, TikTok videos, or TV dramas and movies, creators should handle this topic with accuracy, care, and responsibility. As Mr. Goh summed it up perfectly, “Positive stories don’t just raise awareness—they help build a more ethical media culture.”