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Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

SUPPORTING SUICIDE PREVENTION AND ENSURING TRANSPARENCY IN SUICIDE STATISTICS

10 September 2026

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1287
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms He Ting Ru
MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 2983
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will review how provisional suicide statistics are compiled and communicated, given upward revisions in the finalised 2023 and 2024 figures; (b) what factors account for the 50 per cent rise in suicide deaths among adults aged 30 to 39 over that period; and (c) whether targeted intervention is planned for this age group.


NOTICE PAPER NO. 1295
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms He Ting Ru
MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 2994
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the effectiveness and adequacy of suicide prevention strategy and programmes, particularly (i) for youth, given that suicide has remained the leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 29 for seven consecutive years and (ii) for men, who account for the majority of suicide deaths; and (b) how does the Government plan to address these findings.


Answer

1       Sir, may I have your permission to answer Questions 8 and 9 together please?

2       Before I begin, I would like to share with the House that today is coincidentally World Suicide Prevention Day. I am sure all of us take this opportunity to grieve for those who have lost loved ones, to honour the courage of those who have held on, and to encourage those who are still struggling.

3       Data on suicide deaths is published by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority annually, based on data from the Registry of Deaths.

4       For youths, suicide can appear as a leading cause of death because deaths from illnesses are uncommon at these ages. Male suicide rates are also observed to be significantly higher across nearly all developed economies. Overall, Singapore’s suicide rate is generally lower compared to other developed economies. We note the increase in suicides among those aged 30 to 39 years old in 2024, following a relatively stable trend in the preceding years. Every suicide is painful, we must continue to prevent suicides as best as we can. 

5       However, suicide is multi-factorial. Based on a study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) last year, suicide may be associated with ongoing physical health issues, breakdown in significant relationships, or a combination of factors. Poor mental health is also a contributor of suicide. Strengthening mental resilience and encouraging early help-seeking are therefore key to suicide prevention. These are being implemented through the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

6       Broader yet salient factors to prevent suicides are a stable society, peace and stability, supportive family environment, supported by good education system, public housing and healthcare system.

7       We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our measures.