A week ago at this exact time, a man committed suicide by jumping off the platform onto the MRT tracks at Choa Chu Kang station (more about it here). An incoming train pulling into the station ran over him and he was pinned down under its third carriage. Onlookers were shocked and horrified. Civil Defense personnel rushed to the scene and the man was pronounced dead at 8.30am.

What explains this recent spike in the number of ‘MRT suicides’?

Allow me to probe deeper into this worrying trend and explain the reasons and psychology behind the rise in the number of ‘MRT suicides’.

MEDIA SENSATIONALISM

Certainly the media has played the biggest role in raising the profile of ‘MRT suicides’. This particular brand of suicide invariably attracts significant media coverage, not least due to the graphic nature of the death and the large impact it has on the general public, most notably due to the traffic disruptions that result.

Perhaps motivated by the outpouring of public sympathy and cash donations, others in dire straits have sought to end their lives in similar fashion.

Recall the case in 2006 of an odd jobs labourer in his 40s who killed himself by jumping in front of a speeding MRT train at Jurong East station. He had been unemployed for four months, relying on his wife’s $500 monthly income to feed his family of four (with two teenage sons). As bills mounted to $1000, the hapless man promised his wife he would look for the money. He then booked an appointment with death. Media coverage was extensive, delving into the deceased’s family background, financial situation, and possible motives for the attempt. At a time when Singapore was basking in prosperity, his tale stirred the very soul of the nation and public donations – amounting to $500,000 - poured in for the bereaved family.

Perhaps motivated by the outpouring of public sympathy and, more importantly, the cash donations that the family of the deceased received, others in dire straits have sought to end their lives in similar fashion, hoping to elicit a comparable response from the public and provide for their family even in their moment of death.

Perhaps others entertaining suicidal thoughts were motivated by a desire to go out in a blaze of glory. They hoped to achieve in death what they could not in life: fame and public recognition.

Recognizing this trend, the government has issued an advisory to the media, asking for discretion to be exercised in the coverage of any such future incidents. Perhaps this might have had a positive influence on the editorial process in light of the relatively low-key coverage of the Choa Chu Kang MRT suicide.

EASE OF ACCESS TO TRACKS

Stations located on or above ground level lack a barrier to the tracks.

The MRT is the most utilized public transportation system in Singapore, and MRT stations are readily accessible to the public. This is true even of the MRT tracks at all non-underground stations, due to the lack of a barrier between the platforms and the tracks. While all underground MRT stations have screen doors installed that prevent public access to the tracks, stations located on or above ground level lack such a barrier. As such, in the pivotal moment when suicidal thoughts push one over the edge, there is a lack of a barrier that would not only cause the person to think twice, but, more crucially, save a life in the process.

Warning signs informing the public that they would be fined for track intrusions are attached to the railings beside the tracks. However, they are situated some distance apart from each other and are not prominent enough. Besides, who would care about a fine when you would be dead anyway?

Would the proposed installation of screen doors at all non-underground MRT stations curb this tide of ‘MRT suicides’?

Would the proposed installation of screen doors at all non-underground MRT stations curb this tide of ‘MRT suicides’? Certainly they will drastically reduce the number of successful suicide attempts. They will act as barrier, restricting access to the track. They will also prevent deaths resulting from accidental or intentional shoves by fellow commuters. Even those who are really desperate, in their attempt to climb over the screen doors, might be restrained by MRT personnel and fellow commuters, thus foiling their attempt.

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

I have discussed two primary pull-factors that would provoke one who is entertaining suicidal thoughts to take the step off the platform to certain death. However, no examination of the subject would be complete without a detailed analysis of the underlying reasons that would plant those suicidal tendencies in the first place, and push one to the brink.

Two of the most common causes behind suicides are relationship problems and financial difficulties. Those who attempt suicide invariably feel they are no longer able to cope with the difficulties they are currently facing, and view suicide as the easy way out.

In light of recent financial troubles, an important question needs to be asked: have increasing levels of financial stress sparked the uptick in suicide attempts?

Rising fuel and food prices have placed a strain on the financial situations of many individuals and families. Budgets have been tightened, but for those who were barely getting by previously, the current financial downturn could signal a period of emergency.

Have increasing levels of financial stress sparked the uptick in suicide attempts?

Singapore’s inflation posted consecutive 25-year highs in December 2007 and January 2008, with the consumer price index rising 4.4 and 6.6 percent in these two months, respectively. January’s rise was the fastest since March 1982. The data prompted the government to raise its 2008 inflation forecast to 4.5-5.5 percent, faster than the 3.5-4.5 percent announced in November, creating a greater need for tight monetary policy.

Even during the past two years, when the economy was doing well, unemployment rates declined, and job prospects were rosy, suicide attempts continued to climb. What should we expect now that the world is in the midst of a credit crisis, prices of commodities have risen, inflation has surged, and a global recession is on the horizon?

Related articles:

• Good times, but suicide rates go up by Seah Chiang Nee, 18 Aug 2007
• International Business Times: Singapore Inflation Hits 25-Year High in December 2007
• International Business Times: Singapore Inflation at 25-Year High in January 2008

What do you think has sparked the surge in the number of MRT suicides?
What can be done to improve the situation?

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