Singapore records 314 suicide deaths in 2024; adults aged 30–39 see sharpest rise
Singapore reported 314 suicide deaths in 2024, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death among youths aged 10 to 29 for the sixth year in a row. The largest increase was observed among adults aged 30 to 39, reflecting growing pressures in midlife.
- 314 suicide deaths recorded in 2024; men made up 64.3% of cases.
- Adults aged 30–39 saw the steepest increase, from 43 deaths in 2023 to 75 in 2024.
- Samaritans of Singapore expanding prevention efforts through public education and counselling.
SINGAPORE: 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 — 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 suicide deaths — equivalent to 202 individuals — were male, a trend consistent with previous years.
The suicide rate in Singapore currently stands at 5.91 deaths per 100,000 residents, based on 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; in 2024, the number rose to 75.
Complex pressures in adult life stage cited
The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) issued a statement on 18 July addressing the rise in suicides among those aged 30 to 39.
The organisation noted that individuals in this life stage often grapple with intense pressures — family obligations, job insecurity, and mental health struggles — commonly reflected in calls and messages to their 24-hour hotline and CareText service.
Senior Minister of State for Education and SOS patron Janil Puthucheary stressed the need for continued commitment to suicide prevention, noting that “each represents an individual and a family struggling with a tragedy.”
Organisation pledges ongoing suicide prevention efforts
SOS chief executive Gasper Tan said the data underscores the importance of continued outreach.
“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.
The SOS has trained over 6,000 individuals under its Be A Samaritan initiative since 2022 and launched a youth version — Be A Samaritan Junior — in 2024 for those aged 13 to 16.
In the same year, SOS provided counselling and support to 1,112 individuals, including those experiencing suicidal ideation and families affected by suicide.
Call for revised historical data
MARUAH president Ngiam Shih Tung pointed out that the sharp upward revision of 2023’s final suicide numbers highlights possible underreporting in earlier years.
He urged ICA to re-evaluate historical data for more accurate analysis 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.
