Singapore reported a total of 314 suicide deaths in 2024, according to provisional figures released in July by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
The data shows that suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 29 for the sixth consecutive year.
The number of suicides in 2024 is slightly lower than the previously reported 322 cases for 2023.
However, the ICA has since finalised the figure for 2023 to 434 suicide deaths.
This represents a sharp 34.8 per cent increase from earlier provisional estimates.
Men continue to make up majority of cases
In 2024, 64.3 per cent of the suicide deaths—equivalent to 202 individuals—were male. This trend is consistent with previous years.
The suicide rate in Singapore currently stands at 5.91 deaths per 100,000 residents, based on the ICA’s provisional report.
Among the different age groups, adults aged 30 to 39 experienced the steepest rise in suicide deaths.
In 2023, 43 individuals in this age group died by suicide. This number increased to 75 in 2024.
Complex pressures in adult life stage cited
The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) issued a statement on 18 July addressing the concerning rise in suicides among those aged 30 to 39.
The organisation noted that individuals in this life stage often grapple with intense pressures, including family obligations, employment instability, and mental health struggles.
These issues were commonly identified among individuals who reached out to the SOS via its 24-hour hotline and CareText services.
Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Education and patron of the SOS, emphasised the need for ongoing commitment to suicide prevention.
“We are determined to keep striving to reduce the number of suicides. Each represents an individual and a family struggling with a tragedy,” he said.
He also acknowledged the importance of community support and collaboration with volunteers and partner organisations.
“We will continue to do our best working with our volunteers and partners, collaborate with and equip them to serve individuals and families who are trying to cope with a crisis,” he added.
Organisation pledges ongoing suicide prevention efforts
SOS chief executive Gasper Tan stated that the data reinforces the importance of their mission.
“The number of suicide deaths reported is a reminder that our work is far from over, especially among adults aged 30 to 39,” he said.
He urged for more societal investment in compassion and community.
“We must continue to invest in building a compassionate and connected society where no one has to struggle alone,” he added.
As part of its ongoing suicide prevention strategies, the SOS has trained over 6,000 individuals under its Be A Samaritan programme since its 2022 launch.
The initiative teaches participants how to identify signs of distress, respond empathetically, and connect those in need with available community resources.
In November 2024, the organisation launched a youth-focused version called Be A Samaritan Junior.
This programme targets individuals aged 13 to 16 and is designed to help them recognise signs of emotional distress in their peers and encourage early intervention.
In 2024, the SOS provided in-person counselling and support groups to 1,112 individuals.
These included those experiencing suicidal thoughts or having survived suicide attempts, as well as individuals mourning the loss of loved ones to suicide.
The numbers reflect an ongoing demand for mental health services and underscore the continued relevance of community outreach.
Call for revised historical data to ensure accurate suicide trend analysis
Ngiam Shih Tung, President of Singapore human rights organisation MARUAH, highlighted in a Facebook post that the final number of suicide deaths for 2023 saw a significant increase.
He noted that this large jump also occurred in other unexpected deaths, such as accidents, due to delays in investigations.
While acknowledging that such adjustments are expected, he suggested this indicates earlier years may have significantly under-reported suicide and accidental deaths.
He commended ICA for now reporting updated causes of death but emphasised the need for revised data for years prior to 2023. This, he argued, is essential for accurate analysis and understanding of suicide trends.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. In Singapore, you can contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1-767 or text 9151 1767 for support. You’re not alone, and help is available.
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